Members of the public can view the Art Bank of South Africa’s annual exhibition by local artists at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum until 8 May.
This year’s exhibition, titled In Stranger Times, showcases the finest works by South African artists.
The artistic reflection of our time is the narrative thread that entwines all the pieces.
In total, 70 works are on display. These were selected from the 138 pieces acquired by the Art Bank of South Africa (ArtbankSA) in 2021 to reflect the artists’ visions on society.
Some of these new acquisitions are by Free State artists like Mfundo Mbali, Jakie Madide, Zanoxolo Sylvester Mqeku, Lesego Motsiri and Cecilia Maartens. These artists previously participated in Phatshoane Henney New Breed Art Competition exhibitions.
“With the many threats to the future of humanity such as a global pandemic, anthropogenic climate change and the developments in technology, In Stranger Times explores what constitutes life; biophilic and human, the relationship between individuals and technologies, the connection between bodies and the earth,” said Karen Marais, senior exhibition officer at the museum.
According to Marais, the works resonate with trying times.
“As the world gingerly opens following a time of fear, it may be time to adjust our expectations. Emerging from a period of fear and loss, these inspired expressions of identity, socio-economic conditions, socio-religious beliefs, heritage and morality create the opportunity for dialogue about future possibilities to make the world better, seeking new conditions of existence.”
The exhibition is open to the public on Mondays to Fridays from 08:00 to 17:00, and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 09:00 to 16:00.
Entrance is free.
Secure parking is available for visitors.
A ramp at the main entrance provides access for wheelchairs, while an elevator provides access to the permanent collection display areas on the first floor.
- ArtbankSA is a national programme of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as part of the Mzansi Golden Economy strategy implementation. Its vision is to promote, foster and stimulate a vibrant market for the collection of South Africa’s contemporary visual art through the lease and sell of artworks to South African government departments, private companies and private individuals. Interested parties can visit artbanksa.org for more information.
These inspired expressions create the opportunity for dialogue about future possibilities– Karen Marais
