Jozis must-try art galleries (Photo Archive)
The City of Gold has revealed over the years that it presents more than just gold-mining. Johannesburg is one of the fastest-growing cities with unique restaurants and markets. A variety of artists emerging from our local artistic landscape are being embraced on an international scale, such as Nelson Nkomo and Dr Esther Mahlangu, which is all the more reason we should be going out to support our local artists.
Here is a selection of handpicked galleries in Johannesburg:
1. Gallery Momo
Gallery Momo is a renowned and contemporary art gallery, showcasing local and international artwork. Exhibitions showcase artists such as Dumeli Feni, Dillon Marsh, Martin Y Sicilia and Maurice Mbikayi. Gallery Momo opens Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 9am-4pm. Momo is located in Parktown, north of Johannesburg.
Contact: 0113273247; gallerymomo.com
2. David Krut Projects
Through hosting collaborative installations and hosting various artists, the gallery’s mission is to encourage careers in the arts, literature and media. Here, one will find an alternative contemporary art culture, with local and International artists such as Aida Muluneh, Senzo Shabangu, Beth Armstrong and Deborah Bell. David Krut opens Tuesday to Friday from 9am-5pm and on Saturdays from 9am-4pm.
Contact: Arts on Main, 0113341208; Parkwood, 0114470627. davidkrut.com
3. Absa Art Gallery
The ABSA Art Gallery is inside the ABSA tower in the Johannesburg CBD. It hosts the prestigious art competition Barclays L’Atelier and has many permanent works by prominent artists on display. The gallery opens Monday to Friday from 8:30am-4pm and is closed on weekends and public holidays.
Contact: 0113505139; absa.co.za
4. Circa on Jellicoe Gallery
The Circa on Jellicoe Gallery is a celebration of art and architecture in Rosebank. The gallery is a hub that explores technology and contemporary artwork. Supported by Deutsche Bank, the architectural art gallery opens Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 9am-1pm. Circa is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Contact: 0117884805; Circa on Jellicoe on their Facebook page
5. Everard Read
The Everard Read is the oldest commercial art gallery in South Africa. The unique art gallery showcases contemporary exhibitions with scientific installations and human technological development. Artists such as Percy Konqobe, Louis Maqhubela, Guy du Toit and Speelman Mahlangu have works at the gallery. Everard Read is alongside the Circa on Jellicoe in Rosebank and opens weekly from 9am-5pm and on Saturdays from 9am-1pm.
Contact: 0117884805; [email protected]
6. Spaza Art Gallery
The Spaza Art Gallery in Troyeville shows young and upcoming artists. The gallery hosts live music performances in the garden and workshops are held in the gallery for mosaic enthusiasts. The Spaza Art Gallery opens Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-7pm.
Contact: 0116149354; Spaza Art Gallery is available on their Facebook page.
7. Ngwenya Arts and Craft Gallery
The Ngwenya Arts and Craft Gallery is an Arts and Crafts Gallery in Sunridge Farm in Muldersdrift. The artwork at Ngwenya is handcrafted and made of recycled glass. Margie Caufman, Debbie Joy Stragier and Tina Hepworth also creates original artworks. Opens every Tuesday to Sunday from 9am-4.30pm.
Contact: 0845823209; Follow the Ngwenya Arts and Crafts Gallery on their Facebook page
8. Museum of African Design
Museum of Africa Design is the first museum that is dedicated to Design on the African continent. The museum is a cultural hub that explores the African continent. The Museum of Africa hosts exhibitions, events and educational programmes is on Commissioner Street and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am-5pm.
Contact: 0105002448; moadjhb.com
9. Afronova Art Gallery
Afronova Art Gallery is a modern and contemporary art gallery. Numerous screenings, exhibitions, book launches and fashion shows have taken place at Afronova in Parkhurst. It displays artists such as Ricardo Rangel, Billie Zangewa, Jodi Bieber and Mauro Pinto. Contact: afronova.com; 0837265906
10. Stevenson Gallery
Based in downtown Johannesburg in Braamfontein, the Stevenson Gallery has bought in international artworks to South Africa and has participated in international shows, such as the Art Basel, Frieze London and New York. Open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm and Saturdays from 10am-1pm. You can admire the work of local artists such as Zanele Muholi, Nandipha Mntambo, Moshekwa Langa and Wim Botha.
Contact: 0114031055; [email protected]
11. Goodman Gallery
Dating back to 1966, the Goodman Gallery is one of the longest-standing contemporary art galleries in the country. Aiming to shift perspectives and create a social transformation, the Goodman Gallery is also where Ayanda Mabulu’s Zuma spear painting and other provocative pieces were showcased. Opening Tuesdays to Friday from 9.30am-5.30pm and on Saturdays from 9.30am-4pm.
Contact: 0117881113; goodman-gallery.com