My painting, ‘Three Dogs On A Beach’ is hanging in the Zeitz MOCAA. Can you believe it? I certainly can’t and I’m beside myself with pride and joy.
The Zeitz MOCAA has been hosting a very unusual exhibition, titled “Home Is Where The Art Is”. It’s a ‘non-juried, democratic celebration of art’ (Zeitz www).
22 October 2010 – 21st January, 2021*
Covid 19 has made so many institutions and businesses change the way they usually run their operation. The Zeitz is no different. Instead of hosting only famous, or emerging African artists, they opened their doors to all Cape Town artists wanting to showcase their work. Anyone, old or young, who dabbles in the creative arena, was allowed to submit.
The 5 categories for submission were:
- Professional artist
- Hobby artist
- Children
- An unknown artist you want to champion
- An inherited old piece that needs to be shared
The basic rules were:
- Artist had to reside in the Cape Town Metropole
- No copied work
- Only one submission each
The big decision for each artist was which ONE work of art did they want to display? Once decided, the online submission took place. The creative piece was then delivered to the gallery. We were treated like royalty, and our paintings like prized possessions. I walked away with an immense feeling of awe and respect.
Up to 2000 artworks were delivered. Over the next 10 days (and nights), the Zeitz Team worked their derrieres off to collate and curate this collection. They arrange them all in a consolidated, professional and visually attractive way, across 5 themes. Remember, every piece was a different size and shape! The mind boggles.
The Exhibition
The result – probably – if not definitely, one of the best exhibitions I have ever been to. I have traveled the world, and walked the halls of many galleries. What makes this exhibition different is fact that it deeply touches the heart and soul. It ‘speaks’ to the local people. It tells their stories. The talent in Cape Town is so awe inspiring, it makes you want to rush off and create more.
To view artwork done by young children, hanging right beside a Tretchikoff, or your neighbour’s collage, is just so inclusive and rewarding for both artist and viewer. There’s no hierarchy. Every piece is given the same treatment and favour. Art is for everyone, or should I say, art should be for everyone. This exhibition champions exactly that, and I say THANK YOU ZEITZ!
*Although the exhibition was supposed to close on the 21st Jan, 2021, it has come to my attention that it may be extended until the end of Oct, 2021 – so watch this space.
Zeitz MOCAA Video
CLICK HERE to view a brief video of the exhibition.
More blogs to follow about this remarkable exhibition.
‘Making art is not the matter of a moment, and nor is making an exhibition; curating follows art.’– Hansulrich Obrist