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In a solo show at BKhz Gallery, Athi-Patra Ruga continues his legacy of myth-making as a contemporary response to South Africa's colonial history. Meanwhile, legendary figures in the abstract art genre including Joan Miró and Walter Battiss get a rare showing in Gallery 1's latest curatorial venture.
The regular Unlocking Your Collection event at Origin Art is your entry into the wonderful world of art collecting, plus there's a heritage-themed quiz to look forward to – bring your friends. On the gallery's walls, the group exhibition Nostalgia and Place explores the intricate relationship between memory, identity, and the spaces we inhabit.
If you're looking for a deeper dive into the works on show, pick up a worksheet created by House of Special Things in the Atrium – an art accompaniment to prompt reflection and inspire discussion as you move through the various exhibitions.
As always, Keyes delivers when it comes to food and drinks. Head to Freshly Ground to sample their expanded menu, or try Kanpai, where the glam selfie crowd sips on good cocktails. Unwind with a view at Marble, or keep it easy with classic burgers at BGR. If something sweet is what you're after, Pantry is your go-to for affordable soft serve. Last but certainly not least, round the night off with live DJ sets at MIX Cocktail Bar.
Keep reading for the details.
Work of art
New kids on the art block, House of Special Things (HOST) touches down at Keyes Art Mile with a novel idea: a walkabout worksheet designed to illuminate the exhibitions on show. Grab one in the Atrium and use it to engage with the art on a deeper level, sharing your interpretations of the work and responses to the themes you encounter. Unlike a traditional guided walkabout, this unique format allows you to move along at your own pace.Athi-Patra Ruga's visionary solo Amadoda on the Verge…
In a series of luscious, layered paintings, Athi-Patra Ruga creates avatars that probe the influence of historical tropes on agency and representations of black masculinities. "I welcome you to a part-speculative, part-historical frontier in which complex notions of collaboration and conflict between settler and native, coloniser and colonised are reflected in the sartorial choices of my avatars," says the artist of his solo Amadoda on the Verge… [1835–2025] at BKhz Gallery.
Ruga's lone avatars appear to be on the verge of something curious and uncharted. The uneasiness of the "frontier", both as a physical and psychological limit, as well as a threshold for new opportunities, fascinates him. "The dark history of settler occupation and religious domination has inspired me to focus on the continued effects of disembodiment on the black male body," Ruga explains. "Using costume and craftsmanship, I want to create a remedy, an alternative to a history of loss and disassociation." Read more here.
Legends Miró and Battiss in The Geometry of Imagination
With a focus on abstraction, a stellar cast of artists grace the walls of Gallery 1 for the group exhibition Non-Forms – The Geometry of Imagination. "Those elusive geometric entities that defy existence in the physical realm come to life within the canvas," reads the curatorial statement for this showcase. From the iconic Spanish artist Joan Miró, known for combining abstract art with Surrealist fantasy, to one of South Africa's most highly regarded artists Walter Battiss, the exhibition is all about imagination, abstract realms, and "non-forms".
Also look out for works by Erik Laubscher, Giuseppe Cattaneo, Eugene Labuschagne, Louis Maqhubela, Dirk Meerkotter, Sandile Zulu, Trevor Coleman, Bettie Cilliers-Barnard, and Christo Coetzee.
Eight artists explore ideas around Nostalgia and Place
"Set against the backdrop of South Africa's rich and complex heritage, this exhibition delves into the ways that collective memory, nostalgia, and the drive for newness shape our understanding of place and belonging," reads the exhibition statement for Origin Art's group show, Nostalgia and Place.
For better or worse, nostalgia is a powerful force in the shaping of collective memory which, in turn, connects individuals to their cultural roots and societal identities. "For many, it serves as a bridge to significant historical moments, such as the end of apartheid or the struggle for freedom, providing continuity amidst rapid social and technological change. However, in a society increasingly driven by consumption, where newness and innovation are highly valued, this nostalgia can sometimes clash with the relentless pursuit of the novel," the curatorial text explains.
Eight artists, namely Francois Pietersen, Lindokuhle Tshabalala, Masindi Mbolekwa, Masonwabe Ntloko, Laura de Harde, Levy Pooe, Matthew Blackburn, and N’lamwai Chithambo join in this exploration in their own ways. Read more.
Know your heritage?
Origin Art hosts another fun and friendly quiz as part of Keyes Art Night, this time taking its thematic cue from Heritage Month in South Africa. Gather your best-read buddies and head to the gallery from 19:00 to put your heritage knowledge to the test.Kick-start your art collection
Discover masterpieces that won't break the bank with Unlocking Your Collection at Origin Art. There'll be quality art to suit every pocket across mediums and styles, with nothing over R5,000. In addition to the diverse collection on show, this is a chance to engage with the artists themselves and discover the stories behind the works that speak to you. There'll also be practical tips and tricks for beginning and growing your art collection. In the often intimidating world of art, Unlocking Your Collection is a deliberate step towards welcoming art lovers of all levels into the fold.
Where to eat and drink
While art is front and centre at Keyes Art Night, you certainly won't be leaving hungry given all that Keyes has to offer on the dining front. Enjoy beautifully crafted sushi at the Japanese-fusion restaurant Kanpai or giant tiger prawns on the hibachi grill at The Prawnery. Book via Dineplan. Freshly Ground has an expanded menu and now serves drinks. For a tried and true favourite, add tasty Asian street food to the line-up at Momo Kuro on the top floor of the Trumpet building, or try the ramen at Momo's street-level store. Burger and fries? Keep it easy at BGR. Unwind with sunset drinks at Marble (also in the swanky Trumpet building) and if soft serve is your thing, head down the parking lot stairs to The Pantry. At just 18 bucks a pop, you'll be glad we told you.
Easy beats at MIX Cocktail Bar
Once you've caught up with all the Keyes art offerings, head upstairs to MIX Cocktail Bar at MESH Club for something to sip on along with DJs MassMaine, GlandtonSA, Hurbsmann, Lez, and Cocktale on deck.
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