The UJ art collection consists of over 1,500 pieces and, due to the time in which it was started, represents some artists, periods and forms better than others, as was explained in Shifting Conversations, the 2017 exhibition curated by Melissa Goba and Johan Myburg. On the other hand, MTN's art collection is socially and historically conscious and consists of over 1,400 works that represent the pan-African nature of the organisation.
A showcase of works from these two collections combined, re/connect/ing came together with input from MTN and UJ staff from various vocations and positions, including those who have never acted as curators. The spirit of collaboration inspired this unique curatorial process, in which staff members were invited to select works from a shortlist for the final show and explain why the works resonated with them.
An incredible array of artists feature in re/connect/ing including Kwesi Owusu-Ankomah, Kim Lieberman, Walter Battiss, Esrael Thavan, Paul Molete, Cecil Skotnes, Willem Boshoff, Samuel Fosso, Diane Victor, Guy du Toit, Juliet Armstrong and Gordon Froud, to name a few. While the works on show truly speak to the breadth of human experience, common themes emerge across time, medium and place; be they religious, cultural or political.
Rika Nortjé, acting curator of the UJ Art Gallery says, “Collaborating with MTN has become a highlight of our programme. When we select artworks for a collaborative exhibition, we are forced to look at our collections with fresh eyes: draw parallels, look for similar narratives, explore possibilities. Although these two collections are very different in terms of size, provenance and content, they hold endless connections and conversations. Post-Covid, many people still struggle to re-engage and reconnect. In this exhibition, we tried to find links and threads that connect us through art.”
The exhibition runs until Fri, Jan 19, 2024 at the MTN Head Offices in Fairlands, Johannesburg and can be viewed on select days and times. Book your spot by emailing mtnsa.foundationevents@mtn.com
