Archive: Issue No. 88, December 2004

04.10.04 Mandy-Lee Jandrell at 10 Downing Street
01.06.04 Van Den Ende Collection in Holland shows 57 South African artists

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

04.12.04 Kentridge Overview at the Met

03.09.04 Personal Affects: Power and Poetics in Contemporary South African Art
03.09.04 Candice Breitz on WOW

JAPAN

04.12.04 James Webb unveils a new sound and light work

Yes, the 10 Downing Street in London that is the official residence of the British Prime Minister. The UK Government Art Agency (GAC) that is responsible for purchasing art and exhibiting it in Embassies and other high-profile official places recently acquired four works by South African born Mandy-Lee Jandrell. They have decided to exhibit these works together as an exhibition in the Ante-Room at 10 Downing Street, a reception room where VIPs await their meetings with the Prime Minister and cabinet ministers. This space is generally reserve for more contemporary art as is a great testament to Jandrell's increasing international reputation.

The four works show the well-known landmarks of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the Great Wall of China, the Arc de Triomphe and the Taj Mahal as seen in miniature in a fantasy theme park called 'Window of the World' in China. Jandrell's use of the tourist photograph was seen in South Africa in her show at João Ferreira earlier this year. Next month sees her first solo show in the UK. Check next month's listings for more details.

For more information, visit www.gac.culture.gov.uk

Opens: October
Closes: December

Janine and Joop Van Den Ende of Stageholdings in Holland have put together an impressively large show of South African art entitled 'The ID of South African Art'. The show is informed by issues of identity in South African society and works were purchased from different venues in the country in January 2004. The show will run in conjunction with the musical 'The Lion King'� which will play for approximately two to three years. The show will be on exhibition for the same length of time.

All the works shown were purchased for, and form part of the Van Den Ende Collection. There are 57 artists whose works were chosen for this exhibition and over 108 works of South African painting, prints, drawings and sculptures. The accompanying 300-page catalogue has been put together by Sharlene Khan and also features an article by David Koloane and Sharlene Khan.

The exhibitor lists includes: David Koloane, Stephen Maqashela, Colbert Mashile, Bongi Bengu, Paul Blomkamp, Anton Smit, Collen Maswanganyi, Norman Catherine, Sam Nhlengethwa, Robert Hodgins, Tracey Rose, Deborah Bell, Kay Hassan, Dominic Tshabangu, Sotiris Moldovanos, Mmapula Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi, Velaphi Mzimba, Lucky Sibiya, Amos Letsoalo, Vincent Baloyi, Sharlene Khan, John Baloyi, Gavin Younge, Pippa Skotnes, Jane Alexander, Roderick Sauls, Katherine Bull, Penny Siopis, Phillip Rikhotso, Wayne Barker, Karl Gietl, Sipho Ndlovu, Ricky Dyaloyi, Willie Bester, Xolile Mtakatya, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Beezy Bailey, Lallitha Jawahirilal, George Pemba, William Kentridge, Cecil Skotnes, Walter Battiss, Brett Murray, Philip Barlow, John Murray, Kevin Brand, Wonder Marthinus, James Reed, Jennifer Lovemore-Reed, Nkoali Eausibius Nawa, Gary Frier, Velile Soha, Marlene Dumas, Sandra Kriel, Andries Botha, Stephen Inggs and Fritha Langerman.

All the artists from the show were invited to attend at the expense of the Van Den Endes, although only 40 artists were available to make the opening.

Opens: April 3
Closes: 2005/6 - see above

A solo show of works by William Kentridge will be on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art in New York until April 2005. The Met is one of the world's most important and influential art museums and this show, drawn from the institution's own holdings, yet again demonstrates the high regard in which Kentridge is held internationally. The exhibition focuses on the period 1989-2001 and attempts to give a taste of the versatility of the artist.

Opens: November 12, 2004
Closes; April 10, 2005

The much talked-about and much-anticipated New York Show 'Personal Affects' opens at two separate locations: the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and the Museum for African Art. Probably the last big '10 Years'-type survey show, it will feature 17 of the most significant South African artist who will all show new or recent work. Unquestionably a 'blockbuster'.

As part of 'Season South Africa: Contemporary Visual and Performing Arts from South Africa' the Museum for African Art and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine will present an exhibition 'Personal Affects: Power and Poetics in Contemporary South African Art' at their two respective locations in New York City.

'Personal Affects' presents newly commissioned and recently produced works by 17 South African artists. The works represent artists' responses to a weeklong stay in New York and visits with the international team of curators. The exhibition features an extraordinary lineup of artists working in diverse media, including sculpture, drawing, photography, painting, installation, video, performance and dance. Participating artists are Jane Alexander, Wim Botha, Steven Cohen, Churchill Madikida, Mustafa Maluka, Thando Mama, Samson Mudzunga, Jay Pather, Johannes Phokela, Robin Rhode, Claudette Schreuders, Berni Searle, Doreen Southwood, Clive van den Berg, Minette V�ri, Diane Victor and Sandile Zulu.

Advance Notice: How does a work of art work on us? Henry Art Gallery Chief Curator Elizabeth Brown has been developing a concept of 'The Work of the Work' (WOW) over the last two years to probe the way certain works of art actively engage the viewer. Our connection to artwork might be intellectual or visceral or kinaesthetic; it is often multiple, involving some change in bodily sensation at the same time it provokes emotions or mental associations. Such responses are critical to the effectiveness of most, if not all, works of art.

'WOW' presents a selection of works by a small group of international and multi-ethnic artists. By featuring more than a single work by these artists, the exhibition increases audience attention. Viewers are encouraged to focus and therefore more productively engage with the works. Aside from Candice Breitz, the artist line-up includes Catherine Yass, Anne Appleby, Hannah Villiger, Callum Innes, Steve McQueen, Kim Sooja, Gary Hill, and Olafur Eliasson.

'WOW' is curated for the Henry Art Gallery by Chief Curator Elizabeth A. Brown.

The show opens in three parts:

Gary Hill: Tall Ships: August 13, 2004 - February 13, 2005
WOW Stroum Gallery: September 18, 2004 - February 13, 2005
WOW North Galleries: November 6, 2004 - April, 2005

On Saturday 4 December James Webb will perform his new live sound and light artwork, 'Under the covers of darkness'� a 45-minute event employing techniques from hypnotherapy and psychological path working. The audience are to be blindfolded through out the performance.