In a groundbreaking move poised to elevate the profile of African modern and contemporary art, this year, Strauss & Co is expanding its presence to the UK with the launch of its prestigious Art Club in London.
Strauss & Co’s new art club in London is led by Kate Fellens, and building on the success of its Johannesburg counterpart, it will foster connections and insightful discussions among art enthusiasts and collectors through a range of live and digital events. Focusing on modern and contemporary African art, the club aims to educate and inspire both new and seasoned art lovers, shedding light on influential works and exploring the dynamic contemporary landscape.
The club’s launch will be marked by a curator-led private exhibition of renowned South African visual artist Zanele Muholi’s work at the Tate Modern on September 20th.
An open-access online Art Club will debut on October 2, 2024, providing a digital platform for learning about and engaging with modern and contemporary African art. This online space will host regular educational events, commencing with a series themed “African artists to know”, guided by Alastair Meredith, an art historian and head of Strauss & Co’s Johannesburg art department, to complement the in-person activities and make art education more accessible. Admission is free and open to everyone.
Coinciding with Frieze London and 1-54 London, Strauss & Co will host a special exhibition of African modern and contemporary art from October 7-13 at the Pan Maison, a prestigious venue near Trafalgar Square.
This exhibition will highlight the masterpiece Pondo Smoker by Irma Stern, a pioneering South African artist, which accents the privilege of motherhood in the Eastern Cape region.
Also, the exhibition will shine a spotlight on trailblazing artists such as Maggie Laubser, the renowned queen of South African Expressionism, and Bertha Everard, the illustrious matriarch of the Everard Group Artists. Additionally, contemporary artists like Richard Mudariki, celebrated for his powerful paintings that serve as a social commentary on pressing African issues, will be featured.
Ultimately, Strauss & Co’s new art club in London aims to elevate the visibility and appreciation of modern and contemporary African artists, fostering connections between these talented individuals and discerning collectors seeking to enrich their collections with significant works by African and African diaspora artists from the Modernist and contemporary periods.
