The New Collector’s Room

WORDS Debbie Loots

A dedicated new art space was launched in Pretoria’s Fried Contemporary recently, showcasing the works of professional artists to collectors and invited guests. First up was Guy du Toit’s amazing new bronze collection Linear Algebra.

The Collector’s Room is Fried Contemporary’s dedicated new exhibition space where the works of celebrated South African artists are exhibited to collectors and invited guests.

After a five year stint with her husband Johan in London, Mika Thom returned to South Africa to take ownership of the gallery in June this year. The new Collector’s Room was launched in August, showcasing the renowned sculptor Guy du Toit’s collection of bronzes, Linear Algebra, which were especially made for the show.

With a background in art studies, business and curatorship, Mika has plans to exhibit the works of many more prominent South African artists in her new room.

Says Mika, “Featured artists are by the nature of what they do, masters in their particular field and known by industry experts and academics. Most of them will have had success in showing with noteworthy galleries and museums nationally and internationally or have been featured in academic publications and exhibition catalogues.”

Currently on show is the group exhibition Land and Sea by Vusi Beauchamp, Michael Cheesman, Abrie Fourie, Leanne Shakenovsky and Pieter Swanepoel. It runs until 4 October 2014. Diane Victor will be showing more of her renowned smoke-drawings too, although this time around, she’ll be producing them in person at the gallery on Saturday, 11 October 2014. It’s open to the public, so it’ll definitely be worth it to come and see how Diane creates her magnificent, ghostly images. Her works will be up until 22 November 2014.

Other renowned artists Mika has in the pipeline for the Collector’s Room include David Koloane, Angus Taylor and Roger Ballen.

For more information about this exciting space, visit friedcontemporary.com.