SO-WHERE-TO Indeed! Titbits from an Art Lover, on Samson in Soweto @Nexdor Vilakazi Street

The Soweto Art Scene is a phoenix that continues to rise above the grit of Contemporary African Living.

This was the logical progression, at the opening of the Samson in Soweto Exhibition @Nexdor Vilakazi Street last Thursday evening. 

Mashumi Arts Projects orchestrated the perfect tapestry to engage the dynamic Soweto Art Scene, with the event attracting an audience from just around the corner, and even further than that, from seasoned lovers of art to industry newbies.

Grolsch and Nederberg kept the bubblies under, as crisp new conversations sprung from canvasses riddled with indigenous code and spiritual dialect.

Samson Mnisi's offering is a celestial flight through time and space, a quantum cosmic embrace between spirit and form. 
Some of the pieces broke away completely from form,  to elevated hues, of blue galaxies where stars and ideas are born, while others created from a combination of paint, oils and mud, explored the density and gravity of form. 
This interplay of polarities provided an enchanting visual narrative. 

The showcase that delighted and ignited patrons, was skilfully arranged by the curatorial genius of Zanele Mashumi of Mashumi Art Projects.

For those of you that missed the opening, there is hope yet for spiritual and creative elevation. The Show runs until the end of June 2014. Come through and engage one of many Soweto Art Industry offerings to the global contemporary art  lanscape.

Collaberating for a Robust, World Class Soweto Art Ecosystem

SO-WHERE-FROM?

The history of Soweto is a tapestry of interwoven themes of joy, pain, diversity, and resilience. The previous dispensation had never imagined that the place they created, to effectively exile authentic South Africans into a crime ridden ghetto, would create a breeding ground for legends in art, across disciplines.
 

SO-WHERE-TO?

EST. 1912 is the premium location for arts and art exchange, in Soweto. It is a hub of creative economic activity and cultural activism ,that informs its patrons about the  tapestry  of Soweto from its origins, to the next vision.

Boasting a multi-purpose venue with a restaurant, coffee shop, community library, book shop, social bar, art business centre, gallery and  international art residency, EST1912  provides a delightfully engaging backdrop, for  art development and incubation  - the space  hosts events, exhibitions , live showcases and workshops.

It is also supported by a logical and physical network ,of  local art practitioners, professionals , artists, thought leaders and performers who are synergising their  collective efforts,  to birth a progressive Ecosystem  for Contemporary African Art, within a local and global context.

 

In partnership with White City Studio Art Gallery, EST1912,  wishes to  extend an invitation and opportunity to individual art lovers, collectors as well as organisations, across the private an public sector , to make a progressive investment in Contemporary African Art.

From the 6th May – 28th of June   2014,a limited collection of art pieces, donated by  internationally acclaimed fine artists, Samson Mnisi, Nkululeko Mahlango  and Senzo Nhlapo will be sold, as part of a progressive fundraiser to ensure that our facilities cater for locally inspired, world class artists.
The proceeds will ensure further investment to the Art, Culture and Heritage, within the  Soweto Art Ecosystem :

- 50%,  will be use for enhancement and optimisation of the gallery  for current and  future  showcases and exhibitions,

- 15%  of the proceeds will be donated to the Motlalepula Chabaku Foundation - Arts and Culture Program. 

This is one of many initiatives that will create a converging point for  a collaborative transformation of the Contemporary African Art  Ecosystem for all players. It is positioned to cultivate artist career development ,as well as, strike a balance  between commercial viability, and  community development, while creating a market.

 

ABOUT OUR BENEFACTORS - THE ARTISTS?

Samson Mnisi

Samson Mnisi  is a Soweto Based Artists, who studied Fine Art and photography at the acclaimed FUBA Academy. He has significant following  and global footprint  having served  numerous residencies across the world, including South America, the U.S.A, Europe, Madagascar and Africa. His wrap sheet includes sixteen solo exhibitions,  thirteen 2 man shows and eighteen group exhibitions.

Some of his clients are based locally, but mostly are abroad. His patronage includes patrons such as; Austin Museum of Art, BMW, FUBA (Federated Union of Black Artists), Joburg Art Gallery, Rand Merchant Bank, Vodacom, Spier Wines, Museum Africa, Johannesburg, Museum for African Art, New York Vassar College, Yale University, Chris Angell, Wayne Barker, Debs Burki, Jeffrey Burki, David Cudaback,  Simphiwe Dana, Martin Deutsch, Jim Figura, Tommy Figura, Joachim Esteve, Francis Ferguson, Tunde Giwa, John Hersey, Ann Hersey, Diane Hersey, Rose Klabin, Ed Leffingwell, Gerard Malanga, Thandiswa Mazwai, Zanele Mbeki, Diane Milheiser, Ross Milheiser William O’Neill, Marylin Oshman, Patricia Patton, Bud and Betsy Schulberg, Mongane Wally Serote, Lois Stark, Liz Thomson, Patricia Thrane, Barbra Wertkins.

 View Donated work by Samson Mnisi

 

Nkululeko Mahlangu

Nkululeko Mahlangu’s concept is based on an Idea which simply put means that he IS! An innovative designer, exploring art. To expand a concept/idea is to give meaning to it. When explained, an idea is a target that beckons. Ideas Inspire, grab and transform purpose into action. In his own words:

“I have learnt that ideas, as a product of the human mind are the world’s most valuable things”

Nkululeko is a Soweto based artists of Koi Heritage amongst many others, being a product of the South Western Townships. He produces contemporary pieces that transcend canvass and street art. The subject matter is specifically African and lends dialogue to the historical and cultural influences of modern day Urban Youth in a current paradigm. He also has a colourful artistic timeline that includes a learnership at the Design Centre as a result of being merited for his work in Sculpture and visual art, as well as showcases at Kliptown Hotel, Gauteng Legislature, Yeoville Recreation Centre, Regina Mundi. Gallery 7 Constitution Hill, EST 1912, Soweto Theatre and Vilakazi Street – which are all key heritage art and culture sites.

His mastered disciplines include: Visual Art, Sculpture and Photography

 View Donated work by Nkululeko Mahlangu

Senzo Nhlapo

Senzo Nhlapo (born in Soweto) studied Fine Arts at the Funda Art Centre, Johannesburg, achieved a three years B.A. Diploma in Switzerland at the Ecole Cantonale Du Valais, and attended several postgraduate courses, among others at the Artists Proof Studio, South Africa; at the Academy of Art in Berlin, Germany; and at the Ecole Supreme Des Beaux Art, France. He won several awards and prices, among others the Award for Drama and acting, VW at Civic Theatre (1996); 1st prize at Windybrow, HIV/AIDS campaign (1997); First prize for Home Coming Revolution (2001).
He collaborated in various theatre, performance and photography workshops in South Africa and abrouad as well at several mural projects, among others at Emisebeni Primary School; Batsogile Primary School; South View High School; Les Halles Exhibition space SIERRE, Switzerland; and Community walls in Soweto, Lawley, Ennerdale, Lanasia South. He participated in various group and solo exhibtions in South Africa and abroad, among others Mosaic and Tile Design Gallery Hemerod (Germany) (1998); Funda Art Gallery (2000); Solo show at Emdeni High School Cultural Project (2001); Peter and Paul Art Academy, United Kingdom (2001); For Green Project, JAG, Johannesburg (2002); resident artist solo exhibition, Funda, Johannesburg (2002); ABSA Gallery Art Competition, Johannesburg (2003); Tribute to Nhlanhla Xaba, RAU Art Gallery (2003); Artist Proof Studio Gallery, Johannesburg (2003); Rand Water project, Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg (2004); ABSA Gallery for ten years of democracy (2004); Les Halles Gallery, Switzerland (2004); L’ ecole Cantonale du Valais, Switzerland (2004); solo exhibition, Les Cours Du Miracle, Switzreland (2004); group exhibition, L’ecole du Bourse Art, France (2005); Cinquième Art Café Gallery, Vevey, Switzerland (2006); solo exhibition 7 Geneve for Izimbewu Project, Geneve, Switzerland (2007); group exhibition, Gallery Café, Vevey, Switzerland.

 View Donated work by Senzo Nhlapo
 

Should you wish to support this empowering and laudable initiative , please contact us at:

Zulu (072) 496 7337
        (011) 053 8937
        Enquiry1912@gmail.com
        nomazulu.taukobong@gmail.com
        www.est1912.co.za
        Facebook: EST1912.History.Food.Diversity.ART
        Twitter: @est_1912

 

 

 

BEGINNING THE DIALOGUE... A Development of African Art

 

The need to assert ourselves……to occupy our spaces, and for us to be able to enforce change, we need to COLABorate.

There is a need to organise ourselves and work together, and create together. The most important thing is that we are aware of the many challenges that have faced us, and continue to face us in the Art industry. This has been, and will always continue to be.

Having said that that I believe we should work towards change.

If we are not happy with the way things are, we should then walk towards changing them.

For our Art to grow to its fullest potential, we need tangible economic benefit, and resources.

Art is the soul of our community, and is the Obscured force of Mind Emancipation.

 

It is thus fundamental, that the Arts Industry sees a significant shift in the share of the industry.

We need to foster direct access to grants and funding, as well as foster growth in the publishing of catalogues, magazines and newspapers, around African Art and Artists.

We are a creative people, and thus we need to render creative solutions to our problems.

I know that artists do not like to march or protest, but they love performance.

Tonight is the beginnings of a tapestry of dialogue and action, in a continued effort to claim our logical and physical spaces. We have started an Open blog called the BlackBox at http://theblackest1.blogspot.com/

We are proposing to people to contribute content and continue this dialogue.

I know that Social Media has made things easy, but there still needs to be some coherency and presence.

 

History is important, if we are to understand the present and change the future.

The marginalising of African Artists, particularly Black Artists, is a symptom of the historical problem, of a lack of equitable distribution and representation, within the Arts Industry.

Regardless of this, Black Artists have risen above their limitations, and still managed to give us great music, theatre and Art.

The white people have been in the game for a while – we can safely deduct that despite numerous Art that is produced and even inspired by Blacks, the tool, mechanisms and operational elements of navigating the economy of art, still remains with white people. There is a lot that the Black People can learn from them.

Despite needing to confront some very uncomfortable issues, we need to ensure the highest level of prudence in ensuring that our current patronage, across the globe is maintained.

 

We need to develop Black consumers of Art, that not only buys into Art but has a vested interest in Art. This can be supported by consumer education, on the importance of art in framing our history, culture and socio-economic paradigm.

Through such encounters we can exchange ideas, numbers, network, and even get to work together.

We must know each other and create a common calendar, that will help us to co-ordinate our efforts much more consciously.

It is important for us, to consciously support each others projects, help to promote each other, collaborate and work together.

 

Artist Dinner @EST1912 March Edition

Please join us for an Artist Dinner, which will be the first of many around the Dialogue, regarding the prospect and progress of African Art.

With this Dinner, we hope to introduce Art practitioners, Art Activists, Art Lovers, Art Enthusiasts - with Artists and the Art World.

The Development of African Art, is a collective Effort that needs a Collective Approach.

This Dialogue will be initiated at The Dinner and, continued across various logical and physical platforms, that support the engagement of various Art forms and disciplines.

The Artist Dinner is a delightful yet purposeful exchange about the prospects of contemporary African Art.

The dialogue is positioned to be an organic yet meaningful engagement on how we establish a stable, and progressive African Art Industry.

The discussion will be lead by Samson Mnisi.

Samson Mnisi, IS! A Soweto based Artists, who has had numerous groups and solo exhibitions, locally and internationally.

He has also collaborated with many Artists, around the world, across various disciplines of Art.

Hosted at one of Joburg’s matchless Art locations, EST1912, the event is positioned to attract a relevant audience of African thought leaders, artists, critics and curators.

“Continuous dialogue followed by action, will specifically lend colour and form to the future landscape of contemporary African Art. This is what we are hoping for” - Nomazulu Taukobong, EST1912 Senior Operations manager.

The event will also announce some exciting additions to the visual art calendar, in partnership with EST1912, and locally inspired, internationally acclaimed visual artists.

Dialogue will be accompanied by dinner and wine.

Date      : Thursday 27 March 2014

Time      : 6 for 6:30

Place     : EST1912

            1912 Gumede Street

            Moroka/Rockville

            Soweto

Like it! EST1912.History.Food.Diversity.ART

Tweet it! @est_1912

Surf it! http://theblackest1.blogspot.com/

Mail it! BlackonAllSides@gmail.com

Call it! (072) 496 7337

The Black Box,

The Box

The Circle

The Red Circle

The Mud Hut

The Big Tree

The Square Room

The Round Room

The Empty Room

The Empty Space

The Full Moon

The Black Square

The Reading Room

The Talking Tree

The Round Talk

The Linear Circle

 

 

The Black Circle

The Speak Easy

The Speaking Corner

Easy Talk

The Conversation Point

Point of Order

Point of Disorder

The Point!

The Blue Point

The Green Seed

The Black Seed

The Seed...........