Because South Africa's art scene is still relatively small, and mainly limited to exhibitions in the larger galleries, this type of conversation around art is unusual, and much needed in order to grow people's awareness of the talent we have in this country.
One local gallery is doing its bit to further the growth of the art scene in South Africa. Sanmart, based in Midrand, Gauteng was opened in 2008 to provide local art aficionados access to the work of local artists, bringing a different approach to the art scene. "I would not call us your ordinary gallery," says Sane Louw, owner of Sanmart. "We love art, music and food. We felt that there was nothing in Midrand that really caters for this, so we started our gallery.
"Our exhibitions are not your ordinary affair. Sanmart gallery is a gallery for people. It is a place for people to meet and enjoy art in a relaxed, sociable and warm environment. Every exhibition gets individual treatment, with attention to detail. We offer good food, wine, homemade beer, live music and by sunset there's always a fire burning. Our exhibitions taste, smell and feel like Africa. Our intention is for the gallery to give upcoming and established artists an opportunity to exhibit, for the public to buy affordable art, and for everyone to leave with a smile," says Louw.
Sanmart's next exhibition, taking place on 3 November, is a perfect example of this unusual approach. Themed "Banned? Your right to freedom of expression!", the gallery will showcase the work of at least 15 artists, including Kobus Walker, Anna Stone, Ronel Kellerman and Zacharia Mukwira.
