On December the 1st, the 290sqm Melrose Gallery will open doors on the High Street at the stylish Melrose Arch Urban Precinct. The gallery is a partnership between Justin Divaris, CEO of Daytona – sole importers of Aston Martin, McLaren and Rolls-Royce, Clint Strydom acclaimed South African photographer, and Craig Mark of Kizo Art Consultants.
The collaboration is a natural extension of the Aston Martin Elements project done by Strydom with Divaris at Daytona that saw Strydom appointed by Aston Martin UK to create a body of modern, abstract photographic works that captured the essence of their iconic brand. These were recognised as part of Aston Martin’s brand identity for rollout via their global dealership network.
The Melrose Gallery will see cultural collaboration with Melissa Goba and other respected curators in aspects of the 2017 Exhibitions Programme. Craig has previously collaborated with Melissa and Thembinkosi Goniwe on the project ‘SPace: Currencies in African Contemporary Art’. Craig and Thembinkosi also worked together on ‘Impressions of Rorke’s Drift’ in 2013 and 2014.
Given the success of these and other collaborations, The Melrose Gallery is set to be an innovative custodian of South African and African Contemporary Art. Mark envisions The Gallery as a space that “provides a warm home and contemporary platform for talented artists of Africa to meet, exchange ideas, network, exhibit and perform and for collectors to view and acquire quality artworks”.
“Melrose Arch is excited to be hosting this new gallery which we hope will be the start of a unique creative energy within the precinct that will flow onto the public spaces for the benefit of our residents, corporate tenants and visitors” says Mike Vermaak, Managing Director Melrose Arch.
The gallery opens to the public on 01 December with an open day from 09h00 to 21h30 as part of the First Thursday Fringe programme. Artists on display include: Willie Bester, Esther Mahlangu, Clint Strydom, Arlene Raviv, Anastasia Pather, Mbongeni Buthelezi, Gavin Rain, Loyiso Mkize, Ndabuko Ntuli, Roel Roelofsen and Heidi Hadaway.
