Material Gains: Contemporary African Art from the Spier Collection

Curated by Candice Allison

Material Gains, which opened on 26 July at the Stellenbosch University Museum, showcases more than 50 works from Spier’s diverse collection of contemporary art. The pieces are by emerging and established artists working across the African continent – including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Congo and Nigeria.

As the Stellenbosch University Museum celebrates 100 years by looking forward, this exhibition’s artworks, when viewed collectively, represent and celebrate the ‘material gains’ which have positively impacted the stability and sustainability of Africa’s visual arts. These include rapid growth in urbanisation, advances in technology, strengthening international and local art markets, and access to funding and sales revenue filtering through arts organizations that support creativity and experimentation.

Including works by:

Leonce Raphael Agbodjelou | Arlene Amaler-Raviv | Audrey Anderson | Tamlin Blake | Lizette Chirrime | Malcolm Dare | Barend De Wet | Ricky Ayanda Dyaloyi | Paul Emmanuel | Liza Grobler | Robert Hodgins | Marlise Keith | David Koloane | Zemba Luzamba | Elisa Mangka | Michele Mathison | Maurice Mbikayi | Ronald Muchatuta | Wycliffe Mundopa | Terrence Musekiwa | Miriro Mwandiambira | Lisbeth Nkoadi | Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude | Qubeka Fine Art Bead Studio | Cinga Sampson | Chibuike Anselem Uzoma | Sue Williamson | Dale Yudelman | Billie Zangewa | Portia Zvavahera

DATES: 26 July – 20 October 2018

VENUE: Stellenbosch University Museum, 52 Ryneveld St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600

TIME: Monday to Saturday, 09h00 to 16h30. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

PRICE: Entry is free

About Spier and the arts

Spier believes that the visual arts are a powerful tool for transformation – sparking new insights and inspiring us to engage with our world in new and imaginative ways.

Spier supports and stimulates the arts community in South Africa through projects that honour our African arts heritage and enriches its future. Many of these projects are managed by the Spier Arts Trust, a Growing for Good learning initiative that forms part of Spier’s efforts to empower staff and communities to make a positive social and environmental change.

The Spier Arts Trust generates shared value for the makers and buyers of South African art. Through curating art portfolios and managing visual arts projects, it facilitates collaboration and growth opportunities for visual artists and artisans in South Africa.