Local Artists showcased at Shamwari Townhouse

- 8 April 2009

In his continuing quest to promote the finest of South Africa to the rest of the world, Adrian Gardiner has assembled a dazzling display of contemporary African art in his latest establishment – the Shamwari Townhouse in Port Elizabeth.

Sixteen artists, most who still reside in South Africa, are represented in the collection, which includes 55 paintings, photographs, object d’art, and sculptures. The diversity of the works combined with their excellence allows the viewer to envisage the modern South African art scene.

Seven of the most striking paintings in the collection are by Artist Sam Nhlengethwa, whose works in mixed media of South African jazz musicians are compelling. Maureen Quin, an award-winning sculptor, is represented with a bronze sculpture, “Artists Muse.”

Possibly the most internationally-noted artist in the collection is William Kentridge. Best known for his work in film. His striking “Wittgenstein’s Rhinoceros” here is a collage in ink and charcoal.

Sandra Hanekom mixes several mediums in her highly detail paintings, 11 of which are at the Shamwari Townhouse.

Photographer Zwelethu Mthethwa photographs interesting subjects in urban ghettos while artist Louis Jansen Van Vuuren manipulates the images resulting in a completely unique work of art. Several of their concepts are on display here.

Artist Theo Kleynhans is a philosopher as well as a painter and “Between Two Worlds Live Horses Like a Star” expresses the difficulty in maintaining balance in one’s life.

A selection of hand blown bowls and vases by Liz Lacey and David Jackson who specialize in blowing, casting and slumping glass at their glassblowing studio, Red Hot Glass, are found throughout the establishment.

The collection holds eighteen remarkable watercolors by Barbara Tyrell, who has captured the costumes and customs of traditional people in Southern Africa.

Photographer Obie Oberholzer also exhibits a large number of photographs of typically African scenes and landscapes. Aldo Balding, born in the UK and presently residing in France, is represented here with the painting “The Debate,” an oil painting on canvas in a romanticized theme.

The Shamwari Townhouse proudly boasts” Young Maiden/Untitled Nude,” a work in marble dust by Anton Momberg, South Africa’s finest realist in sculpture. The impressive Hardy Botha painting titled “Parstyd” depicts the work done in the Cape Vineyards. Other artist represented are Hanneke Benade’with her melancholy pastel drawings on cotton paper, Jon Riordan, whose photographs celebrate the beauty South African rocks and Johan Wilke, whose photographs document current fashion trends.

The Shamwari Townhouse features an Art Deco façade, echoed throughout the interior, especially in the Piano Room. The juxtaposition of the primarily contemporary art collection adds to the luxurious environment. Seven exquisite suites offer opulence and comfort. An elegant dining room, dining cellar, Champagne Lounge, swimming pool, spa, gym, and Salon Privé, offering a range of single malt whiskies and Cuban cigars, and state-of-the-art technology place this boutique establishment in the ultra-deluxe category.

A highlight is the private 14-seat cinema modeled after that in Clarence House, Prince Charles’ London residence.

While the art is displayed throughout the establishment, a book enumerating the story of the collection as well as each artist is found in all guest rooms. The establishment will assist any guest interested in finding out more about an artist.

Go to the Online Gallery of Shamwari Townhouse Art.

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