The news that Picasso's 'Dora Maar with Cat' has just sold for an astounding US$95 million at New York's Sotheby's will no doubt create an even greater incentive for Capetonians to take in the
'Picasso in Africa' show at the National Gallery. Already there are reports of viewers queuing in the rain to get inside - which must be a first for the SANG.
The Johannesburg Art Gallery has its own powerful drawcard with William Kentridge's latest offering, 'Black Box', commissioned by the Deutsche Guggenheim, consists of animated films, kinetic sculptural objects and a miniaturised theatre, and the key theme is the decimation of the Herero nation in Namibia by the German colonists in the early 20th century. 'Black Box' opens early in May. See LISTINGS.
NEWS this month carries announcements of prizewinners in the art world - the sponsors are Sasol, MTN and the Tollman family. Business seems to be taking a more assertive role in supporting the visual arts in this country, a highly commendable state of affairs.
Sue Williamson
Editor
Next update: Friday, June 2
CAPE
Encouragingly, Iziko SANG launches another new exhibition this month with 'Visual Trajectories' marking the evolution of Indian art since 1850. Bell-Roberts hosts a whimsical sculpture show entitled 'Details'. Deborah Bell shows at João Ferreira and across town, what if the world... hosts an exhibition of talented up-and-comers.
GAUTENG
Another busy month in Gauteng sees numerous openings, including a long overdue retrospective of Alfred Thoba at Warren Siebrits Modern and Contemporary, and the return of Brett Murray to the Goodman. Barend de Wet also opens 'Different Strokes for Different Folks' at Muti Gallery. Recommendation of the month: William Kentridge's new opus, The Black Box at the JAG.
KWAZULU-NATAL
This month sees Peter van Heerden appearing at the KZNSA, hot on the heels of James Beckett, coupled with the Botanical Arts Association and Peter Machen's 'Corduroy Man'. It's 'Red Eye' time again at the Durban Art Gallery and Grace Kotze's show 'Co-ordinates' opens at artSPACE durban.
INTERNATIONAL
This month both Roger Ballen and Guy Tillim hold solo exhibitions on an international photography festival in Rome and London-based photographer, Mandy Lee Jandrell takes part in 'Green' at the Winchester Gallery. 'Nie Meer', a group exhibition of South African artists, opens in Belgium and Gregg Smith exhibits in both Belgium and France. The Luanda Trienal gets underway in Angola and 'Africa Remix' and 'Off the record' open simultaneously in Tokyo.
CAPE
Wim Botha's 'Premonition of War' is reviewed by Linda Stupart and regular contributor Lloyd Pollack gives a thorough review of Roger Ballen's 'Shadow Chamber'.
GAUTENG
Michael Smith reviews the third in Sanell Aggenbach's series of shows begun in 2005, this one entitled 'Blues and Greys'.
KWAZULU NATAL
Francesca Verga reviews 'New Painting', a show at the KZNSA curated by the gallery's former curator.
INTERNATIONAL
Student Meriel Alisa Shire writes on Steven Cohen and Elu at Bard.
The MTN New Contemporaries Award has been given to Durban-based Mlungisi Zondi. Obert Contemporary opens a new space in Braamfontein. The Sasol Wax Art Award finalists are announced and the same sponsor announces increased prize money for their New Signatures competition. Nkosikhona Ngcobo is the sole artist from South Africa selected to participate in Brazier's International Artists' Workshop. Nicholas Hlobo has been named as Tollman Award winner for 2006 and Andrew Lamprecht reports on the establishment of a SADEC branch of the International Association of Art Critics.
Sue Williamson leaves Havana, goes to a Minister's Cape Town imbizo and learns more about Trans Cape.
This month we profile painter and printmaker Colbert Mashile.
Carine Zaayman visits www.asai.co.za which has been established by Mario Pissarra.
Carine Zaayman profiles a number of net art hosts.
Soundlab calls for submissions, the District Six Museum Foundation seeks a Financial Manager and Upload 09: Creative Collisions calls for proposals.
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