Iziko South African National Gallery Closure

The Iziko South African National Gallery will be closed to the public for six weeks from the 1st March in preparation for the FIFA 2010 World Cup.  During this period Iziko SANG will undergo infrastructure and maintenance repairs. This is a very necessary step to ensure stable infrastructure and conditions for the Gallery’s collections and to continue to loan and display artworks from other collections under international museum standards.    

An exhibition of South African art is being developed which reflects on the country’s contribution to modern and contemporary art. It will also offer a glimpse of future artistic talent. “The context of the World Cup also allows for a reflection on the diversity, strength and uniqueness of our own art history” says Riason Naidoo, director arts collections at Iziko.

Under the working title 1910-2010: From Pierneef to Gugulective a re-hang of the entire gallery is being curated to showcase the very best of South African art. Locals and visitors can look forward to an exhibition based on the National Gallery’s collection that offers a wide scope ranging from the early 20th century to artists such as Gerard Bhengu and Jacob Hendrik Pierneef in the 1920s and 1930s and concluding with contemporary artists such as Andrew Putter, Robin Rhode, Nicholas Hlobo and performance art group Gugulective.

This re-hang of the entire gallery will be open to visitors from 15 April and will extend until September 2010. A work in progress media update is scheduled for the 24th March 2010.