It's a treat to see works by Maggie Laubser, one of South Africa's most well-known women artists, in the Annex, while a wide-ranging collection of landscapes from a private collection occupy the Atrium and Gallery 1 spaces in Near and Far. The regular Unlocking Your Collection event at Origin Art is your entry into the wonderful world of art collecting, and bring your brainiest friends along for their art quiz. The gallery also extends its run of Phillipah Rumano's first solo exhibition Women of Stone so if you haven't seen it yet, this will be your last chance.
When it comes to food and drinks, Keyes doesn't disappoint. Head to Freshly Ground to sample their newly expanded menu or try out Kanpai, where the glam selfie crowd hangs out sipping on good cocktails. If something sweet is what you're after, Pantry's your go-to for affordable soft serve. Then round the night off with a DJ set at MIX Cocktail Bar.
Keep reading for the details.
Maggie Laubser
A rare chance to see privately-owned works by South African painter and printmaker Maria Magdalena (Maggie) Laubser in the Annex. Along with Irma Stern, Laubser is one of the godmothers of the South African Expressionist movement. At the outset of her career she received resistance from conservative circles in the country, but her talent soon won out, earning her local and international recognition. Laubser's expressive paintings chronicled the landscapes and people of South Africa in the 1900s, challenging the conventions of her time.
Near and Far
A broad selection of landscapes fill the Atrium and Gallery 1 spaces in Near and Far. These works are drawn from a private collection and are incredibly varied in style, medium, and era. A joyous journey.
Kickstart your art collection
Discover masterpieces that won't break the bank with Unlocking Your Collection at Origin Art. There'll be quality art to suit every pocket across a range of mediums and styles, with nothing over R5,000. In addition to the diverse collection on show, this is a chance to engage with the artists themselves and discover the stories behind the works that speak to you. There'll also be practical tips and tricks for beginning and growing your art collection. In the often intimidating world of art, Unlocking Your Collection is a deliberate step towards welcoming art lovers of all levels into the fold.
Women of Stone
In her debut solo show with Origin Art, Harare-born artist Phillipah Rumano pays homage to the resilience of the human spirit. Identity, femininity, and tradition converge in Women of Stone, a multimedia exhibition comprising sculpture, printmaking, and painting.
Art history buffs, this way
Origin Art hosts another wonderfully engaging Art Quiz, a super way to test your art knowledge. Bring the best of what you know and some quality friends who can tell their Impressionism from their Abstraction. It's loads of fun and there are great prizes to be won. RSVP for your team here.
Where to eat and drink
While art is front and centre at First Thursdays, you certainly won't be leaving hungry given all that Keyes has to offer on the dining front. Enjoy beautifully crafted sushi at Japanese fusion restaurant Kanpai or giant tiger prawns on the hibachi grill at The Prawnery. Book via Dineplan. Freshly Ground has an expanded menu and now serves drinks. For a tried and true favourite, add tasty Asian street food to the line-up at Momo Kuro on the top floor of the Trumpet building, or try the ramen at Momo's street-level store. Unwind with sunset drinks at Marble (also in the swanky Trumpet building), and if soft serve is your thing, head down the parking lot stairs to The Pantry. At just 18 bucks a pop, you'll be glad we told you.
Easy beats at MIX Cocktail Bar
Once you've caught up with all of the Keyes art offerings, head upstairs to MIX Cocktail Bar at MESH Club for fancy cocktails and a good time, with a live DJ set.
Comments