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