Modern Masters VI
EBONY/CURATED
29 days left
EBONY/CURATED presents Modern Masters VI, the sixth installment of our annual series exploring multiple artistic mediums, influences, and distinct visual languages from well-known and lesser-known artists who contributed to the rich and varied artistic legacy of Southern Africa.
EBONY/CURATED presents Modern Masters VI, the sixth instalment of our annual series highlighting modern art from Southern Africa. This exhibition explores multiple artistic mediums, influences and distinct visual languages including both well-known and lesser-known artists that have contributed to the rich and varied artistic legacy of Southern Africa. This curated collection showcases artworks created in the main prior to 2000, with the earliest artwork dated 1902. A particular
highlight of this exhibition is the inclusion of important pieces by Cecil Skotnes and Dumile Feni.
Other artists featured in this year’s showcase include Walter Battiss, Deborah Bell, Barbara Burry, Sydney Carter, Peter Clarke, Dezso Koenig, Waalko Jans Dingemans Jnr, George Diederick During, George Enslin, Hannes Harrs, Robert Hodgins, William Kentridge, Erik Laubscher, Billy Mandindi, Dirk Adriaan Meerkotter, Nathaniel Mokgosi, Frans Oerder, Douglas Portway and Richard Templeton Smith.
Cecil Skotnes
Cecil Skotnes (1926 – 2009) grew up in Johannesburg and went on to study in Florence, Italy where he was profoundly inspired by the work of early Renaissance painters like Giotto and Masaccio. Throughout his oeuvre, Skotnes was noted for seamlessly merging elements of Western art with elements of traditional African culture, history, and folklore. He cited the works of both Sydney Kumalo and Paul Gauguin, who also had an interest in non-Western art, as sources of inspiration.
CECIL SKOTNES (1926 - 2009) Icon No 15, 1990, Carved Wood, Brass and Oil, 121 x 96 cm
Skotnes dedicated much of his career to supporting the work of black South African artists, championing them both financially and critically, particularly at the Polly Street and Jubilee Arts Centres from 1952 - 1965. Skotnes has been publicly recognised for his role in the arts with multiple awards including the South African Presidential Award; ‘The Order of the Ikhamanga’.
During his lifetime Skotnes participated in over 80 solo, group and Museum exhibitions worldwide. He represented South Africa at the Venice Biennale 4 times between 1958 - 1968 and the São Paulo Biennale between 1957 - 1971. Works can be found in every major South African public collection including the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town and collections worldwide.
Dumile Feni
Dumile Feni (1942 – 1991) vividly captured the life and struggles of township communities during the apartheid era. Recognised for his emotionally charged, monochromatic imagery across drawing, painting, and sculpture, he has left an indelible mark on the landscape of South African art.
Details from 'Seated Figure with Vessel'
Feni’s early talent was encouraged by the artists Ephraim Ngatane, Bill Ainslie, Louis Maqhubela and Cecil Skotnes amongst others. On meeting the young artist Madame Haenggi of Gallery 101, Johannesburg offered Feni his first solo exhibition held in 1966.
Despite the challenges posed by apartheid's restrictive pass laws, Feni represented South Africa at the São Paulo Biennial in 1967 before going into exile in London in 1968. His powerful piece African Guernica (1967) is hailed as a significant work in South African art history, exemplifying his ability to convey the universal through the particular.
