New Kid on the Block
by Kresta Tyler Johnson
Gallery @157 has just opened its doors on Jan Smuts Avenue and is neighbour to such established galleries as the Goodman and Warren Siebrits. In spite of such competition, the gallery is confident of success, claiming that they fill the gap left by the "demise of the restaurant and craft shop at Johannesburg Art Gallery".
Becoming a self-described "all-in-one-cultural-cum-social-spot" is no mean feat. The owner, Michele Bestbier, an art consultant, is venturing into new territory as a gallery owner. She promises a revolutionary new space that will combine coffee, workshops, discussions and art.
The planned exhibition schedule sounds interesting and includes a mixture of textiles, baskets, ceramics and sculpture. The Gallery was opened on May 29 with the launch of Through the Looking Glass published by David Krut (see story above).
After a few speed wobbles in the lead up to the opening, Gallery @157 now certainly possesses an architecturally impressive space. Let's see if the content can match up.
