Pokroy’s passion and perseverance
JOBURG - Meet Anthea Pokroy, a woman carving out her place in Johannesburg's art scene with determined determination.
An artist in her own right, Pokroy is also one of the founders of non-profit artists’ organisation Assemblage.
“I was born in Joburg and lived here all my life, bar a few years in London after I graduated from university,” she said.
Pokroy studied art at high school and fine arts at Wits University. She graduated in 2007 and worked in the art industry before her journey to London.
“Since I returned to South Africa in 2010, I’ve been fully immersed in art; whether making my own art – job number one, helping artists make and exhibit their art through Assemblage – job number two, or photographing it for other people – job number three,” said Pokroy.
She said Assemblage’s mission was to provide support, networks, education and platforms for emerging Johannesburg-based visual artists.
“We do this to sustain their careers as artists through various activities including an online resource, professional practice and advanced art-making workshops, a mentorship programme, group exhibitions and an artist studio, Newtown Artist Run Centre, or Newarc,” she said.
Newarc is home to 21 artists, a workshop space and a printmaking studio where they can collaborate, share and connect.
“We started the organisation as we felt there was a lack of platforms and opportunities for emerging artists, We also wanted artists to become more professional and entrepreneurial; to abandon the idea of the ‘starving artist’,” said Pokroy.
Over three years, Assemblage has co-ordinated 25 skills developments and professional practice workshops which have reached more than 100 artists, 30 peer mentoring sessions for more than 200 artists, eight exhibitions that included almost 100 exhibiting artists, a website providing advice, guidance and resources to artists and art professionals, and Newarc.
“All this was accomplished with practically no budget,” said a proud Pokroy.
September will see Assemblage host a peer mentoring session, a group exhibition titled Diptych, and children’s art workshops at Wits Art Museum.
When asked what message she would like to share with young artists Pokroy said, “Being an artist is not an easy career path. Having conviction in your work, passion and perseverance are paramount in order to succeed. Although it is very hard work, I’m grateful that I’m able to do the work I love.”
Details: www.assemblage.co.za
