Circle: AVA 50 Collectors

Curated by Carlyn Strydom

22.07.21 - 26.08.21

In the Main and Long gallery we offer you a rare opportunity to see seminal works from the 70s and 90s by Sue Williamson, William Kentridge, Willie Bester and others, juxtaposed with works by a new generation of rising artists such as Bonolo Kavula and Ronald Muchatuta. All participating artists - nearly two dozen of them - have consigned new work to the AVA for the occasion.

Circle: AVA 50 Collectors is the first public event relating to the Circle - AVA 50 Collectors initiative since it was established in 2019. It presents possible dialogues between works from the members’ collections [and] another way for collectors to continue supporting an independent non-profit gallery that has become even more essential as the art ecosystem in Cape Town has grown.

Mary Corrigall, Art Critic, Journalist, Research Consultant, Advisor 

Fifty years have gone by in the historical building on Church Street where the AVA resides. To mark this occasion, the AVA presents Circle - AVA 50 Collectors: Celebrating 50 years of AVA. The exhibition explores some of the history of the AVA through archival material, through artworks represented in members’ collections, and through new work by contemporary artists who have contributed to the success of the organisation. We are offered a glimpse into South African art history, into tastes in art over time, shifting perspectives, and changes in society.

Carlyn Strydom, commissioned exhibition curator

This exhibition is supported in part by the National Arts Council and the City of Cape Town.

Download the catalogue here