FOOTNOTES.
04.03. 2023 - 01.04.2023
STUDIO NXUMALO GALLERY, ROSEBANK, JOHANNESBURG.
Studio Nxumalo is proud to present Footnotes.; a group exhibition that celebrates and honors the culture of independence as demonstrated by artists & painters that are featured in this group exhibition. Footnotes explores how these artists continuously unravel the complexities that form part of the wider artworld ecosystem; through innovative negotiations that propels their artistic practices forward, allowing them to reach both local as well as international audiences, including art buyers and collectors.
Nxumalo has carefully selected each artist based on their consistent contribution to the South African art market, despite the fact that these artists operate on the fringes of a larger art world ecosystem, such as art fairs, private/public museum exhibitions and art festivals.
Footnotes is the prelude to a long-term investigation and discussion of how the lack of inclusion of independent artists' work on established art platforms is detrimental to the growth of independent practices within the arts. The lack of visibility on established platforms places independent practitioners in a vulnerable position, which undermines their cultural contributions and value within the broader visual arts landscape.
This inevitably leads to a paucity of sustainable documentation and archiving of their work, putting at risk the sustainability of their artistic practice. Having noted this, these independent artists are tirelessly creating and developing entrepreneurial strategies that continue to keep their voices present within the South African visual arts landscape – Nxumalo.
Over the past two years, Studio Nxumalo Contemporary has evolved into a commercial fine art platform with interest in intellectual and conceptual approach as its pillars, in order to incentivize independent artists who would otherwise not be exposed to a wider art market and audiences. By doing this, Nxumalo hopes this platform will help to alleviate this challenge that is faced by independent artists, and spearhead this mission alongside artists, collectors, writers and institutions that holds a keen interest in independent art practitioners within South Africa and abroad.
This exhibition marks the last show at Keyes Art Mile for the year 2023. Whilst Nxumalo takes a year-long study sabbatical. Studio Nxumalo will commence its exhibition program again in the year 2024, with exhibitions that will be held in partnership with various art institutions, commercial galleries, auction houses and spaces that holds similar interests.
Featured Artists: Lwando Dlamini, Thokozani Mthiyane, Kaelik Dullaart, Justice Mukheli, Frederick Clarke, Skubalisto & Lisolomzi Pikoli, Goldendean, Stephen Langa, Mthuthuzeli “Sthu” Manaka, Vukile Batyi, Layziehound, Lebogang Mabusela, Fhatuwani Mukheli and MJ Turpin.
