23 May 2022
Absa, a leading financial services provider in Africa, opened a new art gallery on Thursday, 19 May 2022. Located at the Absa Head Office precinct, piazza of Towers Main in Johannesburg central business district, the Absa Art Gallery officially opened its doors with the first exhibition titled ‘Voices: Past and Present’.
Voices: Past and Present comprises artworks recently exhibited at the 2022 Klein Karoo National Arts Festival (KKNK). The theme merges the often-unheard voices of young talented South African aritists with a selection of renowned masters from Absa’s corporate collection.
Voices: Past and Present pays homage to some of South Africa's most prolific masterpieces within the visual arts industry while looking forward to the prospect of what is to come in this richly diverse and talented continent of artists.
"We are thrilled to open a brand new gallery, which gives us the opportunity to continue supporting and showcasing great work by artists from around the continent. The Voices: Past and Present exhibition allows everyone the opportunity to view the wonderful art pieces that were showcased at KKNK. In addition, we are excited to finally open our doors to those who would like to visit the Absa Gallery from June,” said Dr Paul Bayliss, Senior Specialist Art Curator at Absa Group.
The virtual launch was hosted on the Absa Art Hot Spot platform, where visitors will also have an opportunity to view parts of the exhibition virtually. Launched in 2021, the platform affords audiences the opportunity to experience arts and culture content that was traditionally only available through gallery visits. Through the Absa Art Hot Spot, Absa continues to be digitally powered, finding innovative ways to support artists and their work. The Absa Art Hot Spot is also aimed at making art more accessible.
While the opening of the new art gallery allows artists to showcase their work virtually, art lovers can visit the Absa Gallery in person from 1 June 2022 and witness the incredible pieces and work created by various artists.
Absa Gallery visits must be arranged by appointment via gallery@absa.co.za.
