Joburg gets a new art gallery
13 September 2004
A trendy new gallery has opened in what is fast becoming Johannesburg's premier art, design and antiques belt. Moja Modern, a New York Chelsea-style gallery, offers contemporary art by both established and upcoming South African artists at affordable prices.
The gallery is the initiative of artists Rhett Martyn, James Delaney and Trae Tellard, who were inspired by the creativity of young South Africans but frustrated by the lack of space for artists to showcase their work.
"We are in the midst of a new culture which is creating and defining itself, where ideologies are converging", says curator Rhett Martyn. "It's unlike any other culture in the world. This is the time to watch and collect South African art."
Moja Modern combines the New York chic of clean white walls, cement and glass with knowledgeable staff, good music and a warm, friendly vibe.
There's art to suit all tastes at prices to match all budgets. "We also want to encourage first-time art buyers", says Delaney. "We have so much wonderful local art, and we want to make it accessible to everyone. There's no reason to hang boring prints when people can afford original works."
The gallery incorporates a novel feature, popular in California, designed for those who want to hang real artworks on their walls but don't have a huge budget. Sliding screens (or "racks") will show off etchings, sketches, drawings, numbered prints and other smaller works, ranging in price from R500 to R5 000 - real art by real artists, at very accessible prices.
Each month Moja Modern will have a new show around a curated theme, featuring established and emerging contemporary artists. That means there will always be a variety of work on show, with abstract contemporary figurative paintings, sculpture, photography and other media.
The opening show is "Warm Red Cavern", with works that explore the meaning and symbolism of the colour red by artists including Bronwyn Miller, Luan Nel, Kevin Collins, Trasi Henen and Maja Maljevic.
So it's red oils, red sculptures, communist themes and even art by a redhead! This show runs from 19 August to 17 September.
The Moja Modern gallery is at 16 7th Avenue (corner 3rd) Parktown North in Johannesburg. For more information, visit the MojaModern website.
Source: Moja Modern
