HEPTAD- Seven years of Artspace

Artspace Gallery, newly relocated to the heart of the Artstrip in Rosebank, celebrates its seven year birthday with a show that brings together artists who have showed with the gallery over the past seven years in a series of group and solo exhibitions.

Artspace Gallery, newly relocated to the heart of the Artstrip in Rosebank, celebrates its seven year birthday with a show that brings together artists who have showed with the gallery over the past seven years in a series of group and solo exhibitions.

The exhibition will showcase new works by respected artists Regi Bardavid, Wayne Barker, Bongi Bengu, Mbongeni Buthelezi, Marco Cianfanelli, Dylan Graham, Sandra Hanekom, Colbert Mashile, Antoinette Murdoch, Luan Nel, Jaco Sieberhagen, Alex Trapani, Gina Waldman and Berco Wilsenach.

“The idea of bringing together these artists was to reflect on the past seven years of our growth” say gallery Director and Curator, Teresa Lizamore.

“Our previous location was some geographical distance from the “art hub” of Johannesburg, and hence less exposed than our new home. With this show we want to reinforce the message that we have been building our profile and reputation solidly over time to those who may not have been aware of what we have been doing. “

Heptad, meaning groupings of seven, represents the common thread between the artists’ works on the show. Artists were asked to engage with the concept “seven” in their works.

Seven has always been a significant number in the human psyche. A commonly referred to syndrome, “the seven year itch” is often cited for changes in career, lifestyle, even romantic partnerships and in the case of Artspace, a change in location and brand identity.

A wikipedia search lists hundreds of associations linking the number to science, religions, philosophy, chemistry, religion, pop culture, antiquity, language and politics.

Seven is the number of external openings in the human head (two eyes, two nostrils a mouth and two ears);  it is the number of spots on a common ladybug;  the number of ancient wonders of the world;  the number of sacraments in the Christian faith;  the number of days in the week;  the number of colours in the spectrum; the number of virtues espoused by the Christian faith and according to well known life coach, Steven Covey, the number of habits you need to posses to be a highly effective person.  
Heptad is the third show that  has been mounted at Artspaces slick new Rosebank premises.  The new venue opened in March 2008 with a bang, drawing an audience of over 250 people to its launch event.

It is located on Jan Smuts avenue and has added its shop front those of its heavyweight neighburs, anount them David Krut Projects, Warren SIebrits Modern and Contemporary Art and Goodman Gallery, to form the core of a visual art hub for Johannesburg.

Along with the launch of a new venue, Artspace has engaged a number of exciting new projects.

A joint venture with wellness and conference estate Kievets Kroon sees satelite exhibitions being mounted on a regular basis at their Pretoria based etstate.
“The aim of this project is to provide Kievets Kroon with a further lifestyle offering for their elite clientele, while opening our art to a new audience.” Says Lizamore.

Also under development is an outreach programme in partnership with Worldart Gallery, that engages established artists in a mentorship relationship with a young artist. Together they will work towards an exhibition at the World Art’s city based gallery.

The gallery relocation has be accompanied by a new visual identity for Artspace, a dynamic website, quarterly newsletter and an integrated marketing campaign, which will extend the reach of the gallery, and benefits offered to exhibiting artists.

Heptad will open on 10 May 2008 at 12h00. Political analyst and cultural commentator J Brooks Spector will be the opening speaker

The show runs until the 26th May.
Artspace is open from 10h00-17h30 Tuesday – Friday, 10h00- 15h30 on Saturdays.

For more information and images contact

Taryn Cohn
Media Liaison for Artspace Gallery
083 6715139
taryncohn@artsourcesouthafrica.co.za