What IS art, actually? Is it limited to oil paintings of fancy ladies in gilded frames and towering marble sculptures of chiseled Greek men who appear to have misplaced their shorts? Does it extend out to particularly adventurous mid-century scallywags scribbling their names on upturned urinals? Does the definition stretch as far as the (admittedly terrible – who even has 14 fingers?) drawing your kid made you put up on the fridge?
“Art” is a subjective term and means something different to everyone. We can’t define precisely what constitutes art, but we can present you with some of the must-visit art spaces in Johannesburg and let you decide for yourself. If you’re visiting the city – or even if you already live here and want to explore a little more on the cultural side – stop in at these art spaces for a vibrant cross-section of Johannesburg’s bustling scene.
The Candice Berman Gallery – Sandton Central
The Candice Berman Gallery, nestled in the heart of central Sandton, is an immaculately curated space with a focus on showcasing cultural and personal expressions of the self through the lens of contemporary art. Started in 2012, the gallery has a strong focus on artist development and works to actively nurture African artists for growth on both local and international platforms.
The gallery is recognised by collectors from all over the world as a premier exhibition space for painting, photography, sculpture and prints aesthetically influenced by the Expressionist movement. The team at the gallery prides themselves on excellent display techniques, so the experience as a viewer is one of pristine professionalism. A point of pride for the gallery is introducing audiences to raw talent, and it hosts fresh new exhibitions regularly. This is a must-visit for exciting local artists you may not have seen before.
Johannesburg Art Gallery – Joubert Park
Built over 100 years ago, the Johannesburg Art Gallery is one of the oldest art museums in the country and holds the achievement of being the largest art gallery on the African continent, which alone makes it a must for any art enthusiast.
Affectionately known as “JAG,” the museum boasts a massive collection of historical South African art, as well as a growing collection by contemporary artists. The premises also include an art library for referencing and research, which the public is encouraged to visit to discover more about South Africa’s rich history of visual arts and culture.
Some of the gallery’s international highlights include collections of 17th-century Dutch paintings and 18th- and 19th-century British and European art, including works by such masters as Picasso and Rodin. If you’re a history buff, be sure not to miss the JAG’s print portfolio, which contains pieces from as early as the 15th century. If you’re planning a day trip into central Johannesburg, be sure not to miss out on the rich history on show at the Johannesburg Art Gallery.
Sanlam Art Collection – Sandton Central
The Sanlam Art Collection is a privately owned art collection maintained and kept by Sanlam Bank. It can be viewed at the Sanlam offices in Sandton Central, as well as at travelling art exhibitions throughout the country. Started in 1965 when the Sanlam board acquired 12 paintings as an asset investment, the culturally significant collection has grown to encompass over 2000 artworks, personally curated by renowned art curator Stefan Hundt. As the country’s largest private collection, it’s not possible to view the entire collection at once, however, the varied and interesting works Sanlam owns, cycle through their display spaces periodically. Therefore, every visit to the collection will mean something new to discover. You’ll find works from South African icons like Maggie Laubser and Willem Boshoff in these collections, but also discover newer and lesser-known South African talent you’ll fall in love with.
Street art and graffiti – Newtown
Johannesburg is widely acknowledged as the street art capital of South Africa. There’s no better showcase of our local graffiti talent than what can be found roaming the streets of Newtown in the central of Joburg CBD.
Artists have taken to the street to express themselves with large-scale pieces in every style imaginable, adorning the streets, buildings, highway bridges and storefronts in vivid colours as diverse as South Africa’s broad cultural heritage. Whether or not you agree that graffiti counts as art, it’s certainly a spectacle to behold and worth exploring if you’re in the area.
It’s also an attraction that won’t get old, as the art is consistently changing and new pieces spring up almost overnight. The best way to explore this art would be via a guided walking tour through the city – the CBD can be risky if you don’t approach it with caution – which you can browse through and book here. This experience is a novel one, so expect the unexpected!
As far as we’re concerned, there are two areas to be in Johannesburg as an avid art lover: adventuring through the CBD and appreciating the finer things in life in Sandton Central! There’s no feeling like truly connecting to an artwork, and with the varied and exquisitely curated selection of art museums in Johannesburg, the chances are high that you’ll find a piece you resonate with.
Cultural exploration presents a way to understand yourself, but also to understand the character of a country or city. Ground yourself within your identity while placing yourself within our society in Sandton Central – and feel fancy the whole time you’re doing it, too!
