WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo PHOTOS Shavan Rahim
Where do you start if you’re interested in collecting art? We asked a few people in the know for tips.
Interest in contemporary art from our country and the continent has grown in leaps and bounds these past few years. To help you to speak and collect like the art cognoscenti at the art fair, we asked some knowledgeable art lovers to tell us what’s what when it comes to contemporary African art.
THE GALLERY DIRECTOR
Igsaan Martin, director of Gallery MOMO
Do you think the current interest in art and design from Africa will continue to grow?
I think this is only the start. For many years I have been hearing “internationals” saying, “Africa is the next big thing.” I’m in full agreement. Although Africa as a continent has been building momentum in the international scene, the recognition and exposure for artists was not there in the past. Looking back, we have so many great African masters that have influenced the world – Ben Enwonwu from Nigeria with his paintings, Dumile Feni’s sculptures and drawings, Esther Mahlangu… These are just three of many.
What is your definition of contemporary African art?
Artists dealing with the cultural and institutional dynamics of the African continent, those who are creating interesting, questioning works. Every African country is unique, and you can see this in their respective artist’s works.
How would you advise someone to start collecting art?
There are amazing young artists taking part in shows all over the country. It’s best to get out there and go to openings, walkabouts and open studios. You want to research the artist and his or her works, then acquire works based on knowledge – analysis followed by emotion.
Artists on Igsaan’s radar: Beninese-Belgian photographer Fabrice Monteiro, Florine Demosthene from Haiti and Maurice Mbikayi from the DRC.
THE YOUNG COLLECTOR
Lindi Brownell Meiring, former VISI online editor and avid art collector
Do you think art is guided by trends in a similar way to design?
To me, art is timeless. Sometimes it’s difficult to differentiate between a work painted in 1964 and a piece finished a couple of months ago. Artists may follow trends in terms of colour or media, but in my opinion, subject matter remains subjective and free from having to follow trends.
What does contemporary South African art mean to you? And what do you think is the most exciting thing about local art right now?
Contemporary South African art covers decades of so many styles. It’s Jürgen Schadeberg’s photographs, Michael Taylor’s paintings, Nicholas Hlobo’s sculptural installations. There has always been and will always be so much talent in this country, and it’s something that should be continuously celebrated.
How did you start your art collection? And how would you advise others to start in the current art climate?
The prices that come with investing in established artists often put first-time buyers off. It shouldn’t. The first artwork I bought was a Sarah Pratt original for R1 750. I look at it and appreciate it every day. When buying a piece, it needs to be something that will make you want to take a minute, to just stop for a moment and admire something that really speaks to you. That’s what my collection does for me.
Artists on Lindi’s radar: Paul Senyol, Kirsten Sims, Mohau Modisakeng, Claudia Liebenberg, Zarah Cassim, Adrie le Roux, Mia Chaplin, Kirsten Beets and Victoria Verbaan.
THE PUBLISHERS
Brendon and Suzette Bell-Roberts, publishers and editors-in-chief of Art Africa magazine and founders of That Art Fair
What is your definition of contemporary African art?
There is a lot of debate around the terminology used to define art created on the African continent – so the safest way to define it would be to call it contemporary art from Africa and not contemporary African art.
Do you think the current interest in art and design from Africa will continue to grow?
It will continue to grow; we are definitely at the beginning stages here. International brands and artists continue to take preference in the global art market and “African artists” still represent a small percentage. That is not to say Africa is not hot right now, but rather that there is enough place for many, many more artists to emerge onto the international scene.
How would you advise someone to start collecting art?
Commit to buying that very first work. It doesn’t have to be expensive – there are many young artists whose works would sell for only a few hundred rands. Galleries and artists will often offer terms – don’t be afraid to ask. Buy what appeals to you – don’t be swayed by peer pressure or fear of missing out! Read, research and visit. The more you do, the more you’ll learn about your tastes and to trust your instincts. Attending the year-end exhibitions at art schools is a great way to start on a small budget.
Artists on the Bell-Roberts’s Radar: Khehla Chepape Makgato, Fanie Buys, Laura Windvogel, Khaya Witbooi, Neill Wright, Ben Winfield and Mia Chaplin.
THE ARTIST
Mohau Modisakeng, recipient of the 2016 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for visual arts
We’ve seen a huge interest in all things African when it comes to design, fashion and art. Are you noticing the same?
I think the interest that you have observed in the drive towards all things African has always been there. Africa has hosted numerous civilisations and kingdoms; it has seen the traffic of trade and cultural exchange from India and China. It is exactly because of that wealth of history that Africa will always be at the forefront of global trends. So yes, I think this interest in Africa will continue to grow. These waves of interest are not removed from the historical exodus of the world to Africa to inspect, extract and export. Sometimes this interest takes the form of appropriation and sometimes it is outright plunder. I think it is important for Africans to define the terms.
What do you think is the most exciting thing about African art right now?
The most exciting thing about Africa for me has always been the potential that has been fossilised for so many centuries. The prospect of excavating the abundant wealth that lies just beneath the surface is exciting. That is why I don’t completely understand the basis of futuristic projections of Africa that turn their backs on that history for the more palatable, contrived histories.
Artists on Mohau’s radar: Jane Alexander, Nandipha Mntambo, Nicholas Hlobo, Athi-Patra Ruga, Robin Rhode, Mary Sibande, Zanele Muholi, Nelson Makamo, Skhumbuzo Makandula and Kemang Wa Lehulere.
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