Celebrating 60 years of art!
PRETORIA ART MUSEUM 60TH ANNIVERSARY 1964–2024 | Until 2 June 2024
Then mayor, Tjaart H Janse van Vuuren, turns the first sod for the construction of the Pretoria Art Museum on 26 January 1962
The City Council of Pretoria had already acquired works of art for its official rooms and offices since the 1920s, but it was only after the bequest of Lady Michaelis in 1932 that the City Council seriously began collecting works of art. When the need for an art museum came into being to house the City Council’s growing art collection, a decision was taken by the City Council to have an art museum erected.
The Pretoria Art Museum was inaugurated on 20 May 1964. To celebrate the occasion, a small exhibition highlighting the history of the Pretoria Art Museum, complemented with some seminal works of art, are on display.
The Pretoria Art Museum, in collaboration with Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria, also celebrates 30 years of democracy with their initiative, We, the Purple. This initiative draws inspiration from Pretoria’s moniker, the “Jacaranda City”, an ode to the iconic Jacaranda trees lining its streets. But its significance transcends the trees, delving deep into the city’s historical and contemporary narratives, including pivotal moments like #FeesMustFall and the 1956 Women’s March. Notably, the exhibition’s title pays homage to the poignant “purple rain protest” of September 1989, echoing the fervour of anti-apartheid resistance.
From March 2024, We, the Purple is scheduled to unfold across multiple venues within Tshwane. For more information on this initiative, contact Javett-UP on 012 420 3960 or at connect@javettup.com .
NOGOLIDE: HAVE I TAKEN THIS NAME FOR MYSELF? | Until 5 May 2024 | East Gallery
Philiswa Lila, Onobuhle: “…the sky going dark to show off the shine of their skin…”, oil on canvas, 300 cm × 170cm
In this body of artwork, Philiswa Lila delves into the intimate realm of personal and collective memories, using her family photo album as a potent catalyst. This seemingly ordinary object, devoid of actual photographs, became a treasure trove of human connections – its weathered condition revealing traces of past memories. The artworks are a reflection on the inherent storytelling power of objects and their ability to preserve and evoke narratives, emotions and numerous memories from daily interactions.
Scan the QR code to view the exhibition catalogue:
Information and contact details
Mmutle A Kgokong (Pretoria Art Museum): 012 358 6750/6752 or mmutlekg@tshwane.gov.za
PHOTOGRAPHY AND SCULPTURES FROM THE MUSEUM’S COLLECTION
Collecting art over the last 5 to 6 decades | Until 26 May 2024 | North Gallery
Michael Meyersfeld, Michelangelo Towers – Constructing flimsy boundaries, 2014, Giclée print on paper
Most of the photographs in the Pretoria Art Museum Collection are on show and have not been exhibited in quite some time. Some complementary sculptures have also been selected.
We look back over five decades and see through an artist’s camera lens how the world has changed, and we recognise both the good and the bad of our country’s history. We have scenes celebrating Kruger Day in 1993 by Angela Buckland, together with artists, such as Jürgen Schadeberg, Roger Ballen and Gavin Young, who were vocal in resisting apartheid at that point in time and leading up to the 1994 elections, 30 years ago. The artworks show development in our country’s democracy and progression in the art museum’s vision, marking the museum’s 60th anniversary on 20 May 2024.
Artworks on display are those of Bruce Arnot, Roger Ballen, Zoltan Borbereki-Kováks, Lien Botha, Harold Carlson, Norman Catherine, Patrick De Mervelec, Justin Dingwall, Guy du Toit, Hassan Essop, Husain Essop, Ishmael Farouk, Tommaso Fiscaletti, Abrie Fourie, David Goldblatt, Nic Grobler, Stephen Hobbs, Leon François Krige, Eben Leibrandt, Noria Mabaso, Tony Makou, Michael Meyersfield, Sukdeo Bobson Mohanlall, Obie Oberholzer, Georgia Papageorge, Jürgen Schadeberg, Larry Scully, Lance Slabbert, Nathaniël Stern, Larrabee Stuart, Angus Taylor, Eduardo Villa, Rat Western and Gavin Young.
MARIUS RADEMAN (1956–2020) RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION | Until 26 May 2024 | South Gallery
Marius Rademan, Hound-dog, mixed media on canvas
This is a collection of about 170 artworks done by the artist Marius Rademan (1956–2020). Born in Oudtshoorn, he studied at the now Tshwane University of Technology Art School in Pretoria and resided in Cape Town for 20 years until he passed away in 2020.
While investigating and documenting his body of work, a great deal of unpublished poetry and personal documents added a new perspective to the oeuvre of this artist. One is overwhelmed by his witty humour and almost tongue-in-cheek way of expressing his inner emotions. It is clear that he was extremely informed and aware of relevant art discourses during his lifespan.
The exhibition was opened on Saturday, 10 February 2024, at 11:00 by a guest speaker, Dr Jan van der Merwe, part-time senior lecturer at the Department of Fine and Studio Arts, Tshwane University of Technology.
Information and enquiries:
Yvette Myburgh: 082 787 5636 or yvette@artat385.co.za
Dirk Oegema: 012 358 6750 or dirko2@tshwane.gov.za
A STORY OF SOUTH AFRICAN ART | Ongoing | Albert Werth Hall
This selection of artworks from the permanent collection of the Pretoria Art Museum briefly reviews South African art. It includes works by early twentieth-century painters, the Resistance artists of the 1980s and artists of the twenty-first century. The exhibition is based on the secondary school syllabus.
CERAMICS FROM THE PRETORIA ART MUSEUM AND COROBRIK COLLECTIONS | Ongoing | Ceramic Gallery
View a selection of ceramic artworks from the Pretoria Art Museum’s collection, as well as ceramics from the Corobrik Ceramic Collection. Part of the Corobrik Collection, usually exhibited in the ceramic gallery, will be on loan to the University of Pretoria. The Corobrik Ceramic Collection came into being in 1977. With continued support, Corobrik has been able to continue keeping the collection relevant for the last 46 years.
SPECIAL REDUCED ENTRANCE FEE AT CITY OF TSHWANE MUSEUMS:
R2,00 ON WEDNESDAYS
Visit the Pretoria Art Museum, Melrose House Museum or Fort Klapperkop Heritage Site on Wednesdays
and only pay R2,00 entrance fee.
Melrose House Museum will reopen to the public on 22 May 2024.
FORTHCOMING EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS
INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM WEEK CELEBRATIONS | 18 to 26 May 2024
FREE ENTRANCE TO CITY OF TSHWANE MUSEUMS
Pretoria Art Museum, Melrose House Museum and Fort Klapperkop Heritage Site
The International Council of Museums (ICOM) established International Museum Day in 1977. The objective of International Museum Day is to raise awareness of the fact that museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples. Organised on 18 May each year or around this date, the events and activities planned to celebrate International Museum Day can last a day, a weekend or an entire week.
The theme for 2024 International Museum Day is Museums for Education and Research. This year’s theme underscores the pivotal role of cultural institutions in providing a holistic educational experience. This day pushes for a more conscious, sustainable and inclusive world. Museums serve as dynamic educational hubs, fostering curiosity, creativity and critical thinking. In 2024, we acknowledge their contribution to research, providing a platform for exploration and the dissemination of new ideas. From art and history to science and technology, museums are vital spaces where education and research converge to shape our understanding of the world.
City of Tshwane museums will give free entrance to visitors from 18 to 26 May 2024.
2024 SASOL NEW SIGNATURES ART COMPETITION – SUBMISSIONS | 4 and 5 June 2024 from 10:00 to 16:00
The theme for the Sasol New Signatures 2024 campaign is Articulate, celebrating the universal human desire for self-expression and connection. It showcases how art can transcend barriers of language, culture, time and background, allowing emerging artists to express their true selves and connect with others in infinite ways.
Entries for the 2024 Sasol New Signatures Art Competition can be submitted at one of several collection points across the country on 4 and 5 June 2024 from 10:00 to 16:00 only.
Pretoria | Pretoria Art Museum, cnr Francis Baard and Wessels Street, Arcadia Park, Pretoria
Tel: 012 358 6750 | Email: artspta@mweb.co.za
Johannesburg | Sasol Place, 50 Katherine Street, Wierda Valley, Sandton
Tel: 010 344 5000 (Sasol Place Main Reception) | Email: art@sasol.com
Cape Town | Art B Gallery, Library Centre, Carl van Aswegen Street, Bellville, Cape Town
Tel: 021 444 6500 | Email: artb@artb.co.za
Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) | Art on Target, 2 Target Kloof Road, Essexvale, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
Tel: 041 373 3334 | Email: info@artontarget.co.za
Bloemfontein | Oliewenhuis Art Museum, 16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein
Tel: 051 447 9609 | Email: education@nasmus.co.za
Durban | KZNSA Gallery, 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, Durban
Tel: 031 277 1705 | Email: gallery@kznsagallery.co.za
Polokwane | The Polokwane Art Museum, Library Gardens, cnr Grobler and Hans van Rensburg Street, Polokwane Tel: 015 290 2579/2578|Email: amosl@polokwane.gov.za
Potchefstroom | Potchefstroom Museum, cnr Sol Plaatjie and Wolmarans Street, Potchefstroom
Cell: 071 331 7029 or 082 397 9367 | Email: potchkuns@gmail.com
For more information, go to www.sasolsignatures.co.za or contact Nandi Hilliard from the Association of Arts Pretoria on 012 346 3100, 083 288 5117 or artspta@mweb.co.za.
#SasolNewSignatures
GUIDED TOURS
No guided tours are available until further notice.
| Admission:
Adults: R25,00; pensioners and students: R12,00; learners: R7,00 Wednesdays: R2,00 for all visitors The museum is open to the public from Tuesdays to Sundays between 10:00 and 17:00. The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays.
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Pretoria Art Museum
Cnr Francis Baard and Wessels Street Arcadia Park, Arcadia Tel: 012 358 6750 Email: art.museum@tshwane.gov.za |
CENTURION ART GALLERY
Centurion Art Gallery is a commercial art gallery where local artists can exhibit and sell their artworks. The gallery aims to show a variety of art forms, exhibit emerging talent and promote Tshwane artists in particular.
For enquiries, contact the gallery on 083 328 6491 or 083 274 2221.
Centurion Art Gallery is open on Mondays to Fridays from 09:00 to 16:00 and on Saturdays from 09:00 to 13:00.
The gallery is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Centurion Art Gallery, cnr Cantonments Road and Union Avenue, Lyttelton, Centurion