There’s no limit to what is on display in the city: prints, sculptures, African craft, tapestries, beadwork, ceramics, wirework and experimental art. Some of the newer galleries are exclusively devoted to contemporary African artists.
So when you have a quiet Saturday, tag your partner or friend along and explore art in the City of Gold.
Johannesburg Art Gallery
The collection of the city’s major public gallery spans international artists from Rodin, Picasso and Henry Moore, to South Africans such as Sekoto, Batisse and Pierneef. It also houses an extensive collection of the work of contemporary local artists. Guided tours are conducted on request but booking is required.
The gallery is however closed until 1 May due to severe leaks in the 1987 extensions.
In the following video, published in November 2015, the Johannesburg Art Gallery marks 100 years of exhibits:
VIDEO:
Afronova
Established in 2005 in Newtown in front of the legendary Market Theatre, Afronova later moved to urban Braamfontein and, since 2013, operates from a private space in Parkhurst, one of the busiest areas of Johannesburg.
Visiting hours: By appointment only. Visit www.afronova.com.
Gallery Oriental
This gallery is unique in Johannesburg because it specialises in Islamic art from South Africa and other countries. Gallery Oriental also boasts a big selection of African art. There are two branches, one in Fordsburg and another in Rosebank.
Visiting hours: Every day, except Sundays.
Contact 011 834 2657 for more information.
Arts on Main
Arts on Main is a mixed-use creative hub in Johannesburg’s arts-gentrified urban neighbourhood, the Maboneng Precinct.
Visiting hours: From Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays). Visit www.artsonmain.info for more information.
Goodman Gallery
Goodman Gallery is one of the most distinguished and longest-standing international contemporary art galleries. Established in Johannesburg in 1966, the gallery works with artists who are at once contemporary, influential and strive to shift perspectives and engender social transformation.
Gallery hours: Tuesday–Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday 9.30am to 4pm. Closed on Mondays.
Watch Goodman Gallery’s 50th Anniversary:
VIDEO:
Gallery MOMO
Gallery MOMO is a world-renowned contemporary art gallery situated in the suburb of Parktown North, Johannesburg. The gallery was founded in 2002 and is open from Monday to Saturday. Visit www,gallerymomo.com for more information.
Source: The City of Johannesburg website at www.joburg.org.za
