Artworks by prominent alumni and staff from the Michaelis School of Fine Art.
From the 12 to 20 July 2011 the Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, will host a fundraising exhibition and auction of work of its prestigious alumni and staff, in aid of bursaries and scholarships at the school, Hiddingh Campus, 37 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town. The auction on Wednesday 20 July is at 17.30 for 18:30 and run in partnership with Strauss & Co auctioneers. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday 11:00 -16:00, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 -16:00 or by appointment. On Wednesday 13 July at 11:45 there will be a walkabout with Nadja Daehnke, curator of the exhibition. The exhibition and auction will feature over 80 artworks, celebrating and recognising Michaelis graduates who have achieved significant careers as artists in the local and international art worlds. It is also a unique opportunity to gather together the work of so many alumni and staff, with luminaries such as Marlene Dumas, Jane Alexander, Brett Murray, Mikhael Subotzky, Berni Searle, Gavin Jantjes, Barend de Wet, Hasan Essop, Husain Essop, Bongi Bengu and Ed Young, amongst others. A catalogue has been produced for the exhibition. Director of the Michaelis School of Art Stephen Inggs, stated; ‘Michaelis is known as a noteworthy and successful art school and would like to continue to produce graduates, from diverse backgrounds, whose work contributes to the growth of South African art. With this in mind the proceeds of the Alumni Auction will be put towards special projects at Michaelis that will benefit the future generation of South African artists – in particular bursaries and scholarships for talented students’. After the opening and prior to the auction, which will be run by South Africa’s leading auctioneer and Managing Director of Strauss & Co., Stephan Welz, viewers, potential buyers and investors will have a chance to fully engage with the work on display. About the auction Michaelis Lecturer and participating artist Kurt Campbell said; ‘I am very excited about the opportunity of selling work, the proceeds of which will go to supporting future artists in their studies. I see this as the best possible return on my artwork!’ Stephan Welz recalls the many significant years of association with artists from the Michaelis School of Fine Art ; “Nearly 60 years ago, my father donated a linocut which was published in an edition of 100 and formed part of the portfolio of 20 prints by various artists which were hand-printed by the Michaelis School of Fine Art. The linocut was entitled The Prayer and I believe his prayer has been answered in view of the success the School has achieved over the years. This portfolio has proved to be a remarkable investment both in making the various artists’ works available to smaller collectors but also commercially, in that it currently sells for over R30 000 at auction.I am sure my father would be delighted to know that the company I am involved with, Strauss & Co, continues to support the Michaelis School of Fine Art in a charitable way but also reaps the benefit at auction with so many of the former students’ works now achieving record prices setting a superb example for contemporary art in South Africa. Particularly noteworthy are Stanley Pinker’s Wheel of Life which sold for R2 450 000 and Jane Alexander’s Racework in the event of an earthquake, which sold for R1 058 300.” Telephone and absentee bids can be registered with Nadja Daehnke – email For more information contact Nadja Daehnke, Curator of the Michaelis Galleries and curator and organizer of this exhibition: 021 480 7170, 082 316 5272 and visit http://www.michaelis.uct.ac.za/
