To mark its centenary JAG is hosting the mother of all art events, with a lineup of celebratory exhibitions drawn from its impressive permanent collection. The official centenary celebration on Tuesday 10 November promises to be a highlight of the season’s social calendar – attended by the city’s art stars, culture lovers, urban trendsetters and Afropolitan glitterati.
JAG’s dedicated staff has pulled out all the stops to ensure that the work of the gallery, and the important position it occupies in the South African art world, are suitably highlighted in the 100 year celebration of its famous Sir Edwin Lutyens building. It will centre on six exhibitions showcasing pieces from Gallery’s public collection. Click here for more information on the event.
The Showstoppers | JAG Centenary Exhibitions
South African Art 1940-1975, curated by chief curator at JAG Antoinette Murdoch, is strictly chronological, making use of the collection of the gallery. There will be indicators on the walls of key events in history and specifically the history of art in the South African calendar. Artists on this show will include Gerard Sekoto, George Pemba, Ernest Mancoba, Alexis Preller, Cecil Skotnes, Gladys Mgudlandlu, Valerie Desmore and Walter Battiss.
Pre-Raphaelites and Their Circle, curated by Sheree Lissoos, delves into the Foundation Collection to showcase work by Pre-Raphaelite artists and their contemporaries – including one of the Gallery’s most prominent works in the Western canon, D.G. Rossetti’s Regina Cordium. Rossetti (1828 – 1882) was the darling of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. This portrait of his beloved Elizabeth Siddal, painted in 1860, is a beautiful homage to the queen of his heart.
Pastoral Pieces: Significant African Objects is curated by widely respected artist and academic Professor Karel Nel and Philippa van Straaten. The exhibition is designed to show off significant pieces from all of the African Art sub-collections at JAG, including the most recently acquired Maritz Collection. These objects are regarded as the most important and noteworthy of the traditional Southern African Art Collection of the Gallery, which has the reputation as one of the best in the world.
Since opening its doors in 1915, JAG’s Lutyens home on the edge of Joubert Park has remained at the epicentre of the city’s art establishment. Moments in a Metropolis, curated by Tara Weber, highlights, celebrates and interrogates JAG’s defining context – the city, and Jozi in particular. Over the decades JAG has adapted to the changing nature of its inner-city home. This exhibition consists of work on paper only and include artists such as: Richard Estes, James Rosenquist, Robert Hodgins and William Kentridge.
The 1986-87 Meyer/Pienaar extensions added the present north facade and galleries and made JAG the biggest gallery on the sub-continent. The Digital Underground: Performance video pieces installation, curated by Musha Neluheni, is an exhibition which will fill the entire basement gallery. The show will exclusively focus on electronic and digital work, includeing artists Mohau Modisakeng and Donna Kukama.
Encore: Public Favourites is an exhilarating exhibition selected by JAG’s curators consisting of some of the Gallery’s best loved works, including masterpieces by Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Penny Siopis. The collection boasts over 9,000 works of art. Only 10% of the extensive collections, ranging from traditional African artefacts, sculptures, drawings, paintings, prints and lacework, are ever on display at one time, the rest are kept in storage.
A Beautiful Tribute | JAG Commemorative Medallions
#FRIENDSOFJAG and the South African Mint partner in celebrating the Gallery’s centenary with the release of three special limited edition sterling silver commemorative medallions. The medallions will be on display and available for purchase at the newly revamped Museum Shop with a percentage of sales proceeds donated to benefit the important supporting role played by #FRIENDSOFJAG in the everyday functioning of the Gallery. The medallions, are a beautifully designed and expertly crafted homage to JAG’s original Lutyens building and the impressive public art collection it houses. Click here to order.
Keepsake | Constructure: 100 Years of the JAG Building and its contribution of Space and Meaning
The history of the collection and building is fascinatingly explored in a publication made available by the Gallery.Constructure: 100 years of the JAG building and its evolution of space and meaning, edited by Tracey Murinik, details theorigins, history and development of JAG. The publication interrogates the challenges faced by staff and visitors over the years and gives a balanced account of JAG’s problems and achievements.
In the past #FRIENDSOFJAG has helped the Gallery to obtain its collection of Picassos and Rodins, Sekotos and Sterns, Pierneefs and Pembas. Together the Friends find innovative ways to raise funds for the Gallery’s activities and educational programmes. We would like to see JAG prosper in its next century and grow its collection of future contemporary South African and international art.
#FRIENDSOFJAG serve as catalyst, creating vital links between JAG and its diverse communities, and to reach new audiences. We support and assist in the promotion of the Gallery and its initiatives, help to organise events, lectures and educational outreach programmes – in short we aim to bring JAG closer to the people – join us.
#FRIENDSOFJAG have partnered with Uber to get all guests to and from the event safely and in style! All new users can sign up here with the promotional code: JAG2015 and receive a free first ride up to R180. To request your ride, simply download the free application for iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, or visit the mobile site: m.uber.com.
Existing Uber patrons can of course invite their friends and make use of UberVan for a safe carefree ride to the hottest ticket in town.
Guests using their own transport can park securely at JAG or alternatively take the Gautrain to Park Station from where a shuttle service will take you to the Gallery.
Come and usher in a new era for JAG as she turns 100. Come party!