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Zikhona Jafta 021 481 3838 or email mediaofficer@iziko.org.za
Iziko Museums of South Africa will open a new exhibition titled Filling in the Gaps at the Iziko South African National Gallery. An important response to 2019’s ‘tenor of the times’, the exhibition will foreground recent acquisitions. Filling in the Gaps promises to be a showcase of remarkable diversity, and points to the continued relevance of the institution as a national platform of excellence in the visual arts.
Filling in the Gaps will feature important historical acquisitions – addressing both neglected histories and contemporary works by notable cutting-edge artists concerned with current issues, such as: Lerato Shadi; Sethembile Msezane; Mongezi Ncaphayi and Steven Cohen. Recently acquired for the collection after considerable effort, are works by Ephraim Ngatane and Peter Clarke, which all assist in building a national collection that is inclusive and more representative of the overlooked and marginalised artists of the past.
The show, celebrating the gallery’s enduring commitment to championing the work of emerging and underrepresented artists, includes paintings, photography, video, drawings, prints and sculptures. The underfunding of acquisitions at ISANG has long been a bone of contention. There is sense of achievement engendered not only by a more generous acquisitions budget over the past two years, but also by the generosity of the Friends of the SANG and important private donors.
This exhibition, highlighting the Gallery’s new acquisitions will provide an opportunity to assess the institution’s transformation around collecting policies. As the gallery edges towards its 150th anniversary in 2022, it seeks and acquires new works to expand not just its holdings, but our understanding and appreciation of the culture of the South African experience, along with global perspectives of life from around the world.
Curated by Iziko curator, Andrea Lewis, Filling in the Gaps will be on show at the Iziko South African National Gallery from 16 February 2019.
ENDS
Issued by: Ellen Agnew
Communications Coordinator: Iziko Museums of South Africa
Telephone: 021 481 3830 Email: eagnew@iziko.org.za
Website: www.iziko.org.za
Issued on behalf of the Office of the CEO, Iziko Museums of South Africa
About Iziko Museums of South Africa (Iziko)
Iziko operates 11 national museums, the Planetarium and Digital Dome, the Social History Centre and three collection‑specific libraries in Cape Town. The museums that make up Iziko have their own history and character, presenting extensive art, social and natural history collections that reflect our diverse African heritage. Iziko is a public entity and public benefit organisation that brings together these museums under a single governance and leadership structure. The organisation allows *free access to all individuals on commemorative days, (*excluding the Castle of Good Hope, Groot Constantia and Planetarium and Digital Dome). Visit our webpage at www.iziko.org.za, join our online community on Facebook (www.facebook.com/IzikoMuseums), Instagram (@izikomuseumssa) or follow us on Twitter (@Iziko_Museums) for regular updates on events, news and new exhibitions.
