Mind the gaps at JAG
by Kresta Tyler Johnson
Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) has begun the arduous process of filling the gaps left by the flood of resignations that occurred earlier this year. Clive Kellner has been appointed as Director and will take up his post on June 1. Moving up from Assistant Curator of Exhibitions to Curator is Pitso Chinzima.
JAG has been in a state of flux for the past year, as apparently committed members of staff found opportunities outside the Gallery more appealing. The exact reasons have never been clearly stated but there is certainly a feeling about that the institution should take time for some serious reflection. There is obviously a need to restructure the core and prove that a publically funded venue can prove challenging in the face of strong competition from locally run, private galleries.
The position of contemporary curator, formerly held by David Brodie, has yet to be filled, but the Gallery says it will be waiting for Kellner to come aboard so he may participate in the selection. The next six months will certainly be interesting to watch.
