The exhibition Storeroom Series celebrates African Modernism, a movement that appeared in the mid-twentieth century and was characterized by its innovative and experimental approach to artmaking. Some of the artists featured in this exhibition were part of two important collectives – The New Group and Amadlozi Group - that shaped the art movement in South Africa through their dedication in exploring African Art.
Tracings show part of researcher Richard ‘Ginger’ Townley Johnson’s (1911-1994) archive on southern African rock art. In the mid-70s, the Rembrandt van Rijn Art Foundation granted sponsorship to ‘Ginger’ who by then was retired to continue his various travels and explorations to trace rock art sites in Southern Africa.
In order to shift the spotlight to artworks not included in other selected in-house and external exhibitions, the Storeroom Series is presented: Not just seen as highlights from the collection, but also to showcase the popularity of artists and artworks for visitors' enjoyment. The current rotation focuses on the faces and spaces Irma Stern encountered, mainly during the mid-1930s to the late 1940s, the highlight of her career known as 'The Zanzibar Years'.
The anonymous and random public artistic interventions that comprised Any Given Sunday—which originally took place in the city of Cape Town and its townships from 15 May – 24 July 2016— were intended to reflect on the social, economic and political tensions of Cape Town, set against its histories and relevant sites. This covert approach underscored the central intention of the series: as a gentle and submerged way of foregrounding contested notions of visibility and acceptance in the city’s racially segregated spaces.
The use of biblical scenes and scriptures have been a popular subject matter in many artists work. From as early as Byzantine period with commissions given to artists by churches, through the Renaissance these scenes are popular with Western artists. Locally during the period 1960s to 1990s artists from art centres such as Rorke’s Drift and Ardmore were also drawing from scriptures as themes and subjects to their work, but very much personalizing it to their customs, believes and interpretations.
Experience two exhibitions which showcase the Social Impact Art Prize 2022. Gallery 4 features 'Terroir' by Georgia Munnik, who received the Artist Residency in Graaff-Reinet award. The film project, 'Kammakamma’, was created in Stellenbosch by Abri de Swardt, who received an Arts Fellowship.
The Social Impact Arts Prize awards artists who situate their practices in socially concerned conditions ranging from the environment and climate change to human relations and social pressures of an inequal society.
Four successful instalments between 1982 and 1991, established The Cape Town Triennial as one of South Africa’s most established art exhibitions. Political turmoil during this period in South African history reflected in what is generally referred to as “Resistance Art”. Sociopolitical commentary gave powerful meaning to rising artistic voices while emerging artists established their visual practices inside this canon.
Continuing the exploration of genre themed exhibitions inspired by the Rupert Museum’s permanent collections, Nature Morte is the second in the series, following on the much appreciated show – Faces & Figures.
The Rupert Museum and artist Ras Silas Motse taught 48 learners from five local schools how to use COLOUR, LINE and SHAPE in graffiti design. The learners created panels with elements of South African heritage and diversity, expressing their pride and joy. The panels are a message to celebrate our country, its people and the youth.
