The focus on Focus Contemporary
Migo Manz saw the need to present photographs as a fine art medium in their own right and open up a previously untapped market in Cape Town's rapidly developing CBD. An architect himself, Manz couldn't resist the Bauhaus inspired gallery space on the corner of Loop Street and Hans Strydom Avenue, which in turn became the 'Focus Contemporary Photography Gallery'.
The space is generously proportioned and light-filled, which gives it enormous potential. The gallerist has organised a line-up of local and international photographers, with solo shows for Germany's Peter Frank and South Africa's Strijdom van der Merwe coming up. The exhibitions will be on a six to seven week rotation and there is a library space for the permanent collection.
With a keen motivation to expand the fine art photography market in South Africa, the gallerist is eager to create a platform for young and established photographers to display their wares. However, I was disappointed to discover, alongside a lovely series by Kenyan-born Richard Boll, a series of ethnographic portraits in sepia tones by Finland's Antti Viitala. I couldn't help but wonder - what are these doing in a gallery of contemporary art? And how does this 'enable the process of transformation' (supposedly part of the gallery's vision)?
Focus Contemporary Photography Gallery
2 Loop Street, Cape Town
Tel: (021) 419 8888
Fax: (021) 419 8888
E-mail: info@focuscontemporary.co.za
www.focuscontemporary.co.za
Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm, Sat 10am - 2pm
