For the September edition of Keyes Art Night, celebrate a new arrival as Aspire Art launches their dedicated space in the Atrium of the Trumpet building. Also in the Atrium, SouthSeen explores contemporary perspectives from South Africa’s creative voices. The showstopper Gallery 1, which recently underwent major renovations, also launches a new exhibition. Keep an eye on @keyesartmile on Instagram for the details.
As always, Keyes delivers when it comes to food and drinks with a variety of restaurants offering delicious meals, such as The Prawnery, Momo Kuro, Kanpai, Marble, and BGR, as well as Pantry for yummy soft serve. When all is seen and done, round the night off with at Mix Cocktail Bar with some beats and drinks.
Keep reading for all the details.
Aspire Art opens up shop at Keyes
There’s a new name at Keyes Art Mile. Aspire Art, the auction house and consultancy firm known for its fresh approach and sharp eye for contemporary African art, has opened a permanent home in the Trumpet building. Says Marelize van Zyl, CEO and senior art specialist, "It's a match made in heaven." After a year of searching for the perfect location, Aspire Art has found it in Keyes. "For Joburg audiences, we bring a new way to experience art," says Van Zyl. "People think of auction houses as quite closed off and intimidating. It's going to be a working space for us, with lots of art moving in and out." The new space brings Aspire closer to the city's creative pulse, offering walkabouts, talks, and access to some of the continent's most exciting artworks.
To celebrate their launch, Aspire hosts an opening preview for their upcoming Spring Modern and Contemporary Art auction (which will take place on Wed, Sep 17). Expect works by Gerard Sekoto, David Koloane, Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum, Jane Alexander, William Kentridge, Edoardo Villa, Irma Stern, and more.
Picturing the Global South
In the Atrium at Keyes Art Mile, SouthSeen brings together contemporary South African art that looks at how the Global South is viewed – and how it sees itself. This group show features work by both emerging and established artists across painting, sculpture, and photography. The result is a layered, visually engaging exhibition that offers space for reflection on cultural identity, place, and artistic expression.
Pause for a drink and a meal
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 is great for a casual bite – a favourite is the creamy chicken tikka masala pasta. Add appetising Asian street food to the lineup 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 Pantry. At just eighteen bucks a pop, you'll be glad we told you.
Get into the groove at MIX Cocktail Bar
There's no need to change locations once the galleries start to close. Head upstairs to MIX Cocktail Bar at MESH Club for something to sip on while you jam to live DJs.
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