SA R45.00 (incl. VAT) - September 2019
FEARLESS THINKING TAKES PRIDE OF PLACE
RMB. Solutionist Thinking.
Africa’s Fearless Thinking Girl radiates our stance on gender equality. At RMB, we don’t just acknowledge it, we stand for it. Facing challenges head-on requires fearless thinking, which in our minds takes pride of place.
Search Solutionist Thinking Rand Merchant Bank is an Authorised Financial Services Provider
1010604/CF
RMB LION BENCH
AFRICA’S FEARLESS THINKING GIRL
Sculptor: Pieter Greyvensteyn
Sculptor: Marieke Prinsloo-Rowe Location: RMB Think Precinct, Sandton
CONTENTS
COVER IMAGE Gregory Maqoma in The Head & The
34 ‘IF YOU’RE TALKING CREATIVE ECONOMY, THIS IS IT’ Yvette Nowell, head of Corporate Social
Load PHOTO Stella Olivier
Investment at Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), inherited an association with Gregory Maqoma and Vuyani Dance Theatre when she joined RMB twelve years ago.
36 A STELLAR LINE-UP FOR AN AFRO-SYMPHONIC NIGHT UNDER THE STARS The much-loved RMB Starlight Classics will once
cover story
again usher in spring this month, taking guests on a delightful Afro-symphonic musical journey performed by local and international talents, on its
20 ‘IT WAS NEVER ABOUT ME’
21st anniversary.
To celebrate 20 years of Vuyani Dance Theatre, Gregory Maqoma goes back down memory lane to look at the wonderful journey that has led to the current state of this remarkable, innovative,
40 A FEAST OF FAIRS AT ART WEEK JOBURG 2019 This year, three art fairs will fall under Art Week
contemporary African dance company.
16 JOURNEY BEYOND – SYMPHONIC CIRCUS
Joburg, each with their own interesting offerings.
42
THE ALL-NEW FNB ART JOBURG Along with new owners and a new name, the 2019
Journey Beyond – Symphonic Circus is an
iteration of FNB Art Joburg will see the introduction
extraordinary artistic collaboration between Zip
of two new sections: Gallery Lab and MAX.
Zap Circus and the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra. Journey Beyond – Symphonic Circus artfully blends mesmerising choreographed circus acts with orchestral masterpieces. This symphonic circus will
46 LABOUR, PERFORMANCE, AND SCULPTURE: THE ARTWORKS OF NANDIPHA MNTAMBO
captivate, thrill and transcend audiences beyond
With artworks on show in Belgium, Italy, and
their imaginations.
the United States this year alone, South African
24 ODE TO THE MEN WHO WERE NOT TO BE COUNTED Collaboration has been one of the most important aspects of Vuyani Dance Theatre during its 20-year history, whether it has been local or international, with other choreographers or with a range of differently talented arts practitioners. One recent
sculptor Nandipha Mntambo has been hard at work. Creative Feel caught up with the artist ahead of this year’s FNB Art Joburg to find out a bit more about her process.
50 REACHING FOR THE STARS: CREATING A LEGACY THROUGH PRINTMAKING
successful international production was the
Kim Berman, founder and director of Artist Proof
beautifully produced performance piece The Head
Studio (APS), outlines what visitors can expect
& The Load.
from the APS exhibit at FNB Art Joburg.
CONTENTS
64
HERITAGE DAY AT DITSONG With Heritage Day coming up later this month, Mariet Conradie and Julia Roelofse of DITSONG: Museums of South Africa explore the importance of celebrating heritage worldwide, and outline how they will be celebrating Heritage Day at the
52 MUZIWANDILE GIGABA: A NAME TO REMEMBER Muziwandile Gigaba, a recent master’s graduate (MTech Fine Art) cum laude, from the Department of Visual Art at the University of
DITSONG: Tswaing Meteorite Crater.
68 COUNTDOWN TO COMIC CON AFRICA 2019 HAS BEGUN Comic Con Africa 2019, the biggest and most
Johannesburg (UJ), has been awarded numerous
interactive pop culture experience at Gallagher
international residencies and fellowships since
Convention Centre in Midrand, will take place
his graduation in 2017.
between 21 and 24 September 2019.
54 PRETORIA STUDENT WINS SASOL NEW SIGNATURES 2019 Pretoria student Patrick Rulore, 24, currently completing a National Diploma in Fine Arts at the Tshwane University of Technology, has been announced as the winner of the 2019 Sasol New Signatures Art Competition.
lifestyle and entertainment 70 78 80
CINEMA NOUVEAU BOOK REVIEWS ENCORE: GREGORY MAQOMA C
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56 RESISTANCE AND LIBERATION HERITAGE ROUTE
contributors
Using the past to build a future has become more
30
important all over the world as we honour Nelson
Michelle Constant explores the irrevocable importance of Vuyani Dance Theatre.
Mandela’s statement: ‘One of our challenges as we build and extend democracy is the need to ensure
CONSTANT & CULTURAL
that our youth know where we come from, what we
32
have done to break the shackles of our oppression,
Ashraf Johaardien celebrates the inimitable Mr Maqoma.
and how we have pursued the journey to freedom and dignity for all.’
62 THE IGNORED CINDERELLA: ART MANAGEMENT Justin Glickman, Art Asset Manager for FirstRand Group and Owner of Luckyman
BUSINESS & ARTS
72
CREATIVITY @ WORK
Dave Mann chats to writer Lidudumalingani Mqombothi.
76
LITERARY LANDSCAPES
Art Management, explores art collection
Indra Wussow reports back on her visit to the
management for Creative Feel.
Spreewald Forest.
7 RE A TO J SONS OIN US
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Mutually beneficial partnerships are hardwired into BASA's DNA and are a part of its founding ethos. We believe in the power that comes from deep collaboration between the right partners and the transformational value of the arts to effect meaningful social change. BASA champions business investment in the creative sector by leading research that enhances commercial confidence. BASA builds capacity through its programmes and is shifting the paradigm for the future of partnerships between diverse stakeholders. Since 1997, Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) has disbursed nearly R40 million to more than 1 600 projects, which have leveraged over R515 million in sponsorship from the corporate sector. That equates to R13 million of corporate support for every R1 million of BASA Supporting Grant funding.
www.basa.co.za
EDITOR’S LETTER
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF VUYANI DANCE THEATRE
T
his September issue is a special one for us here at Creative Feel. To thrive for 20 years is no mean feat for any arts organisation and we are incredibly proud to be celebrating Vuyani Dance Theatre’s 20th anniversary along with them. We have followed the career of Gregory Maqoma, founder and creative director
of Vuyani Dance Theatre (VDT), for a long time. He first popped up on our radar in a big way when he was announced as the Standard Bank Young Artist for Dance in 2002, not long after Creative Feel (then Classicfeel) was first established. His first appearance on our cover was in 2009, cementing a relationship built on mutual respect, support and appreciation. Since then, Maqoma and VDT have been staples in Creative Feel and we have partnered on many of their productions over the years. Maqoma’s skills as a dancer and choreographer have seen VDT take to stages across the globe – consistently wowing audiences and receiving critical acclaim. Works like Exit/Exist and Beautiful Me have seen Maqoma earn the distinction of Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French government and he was chosen by Rolex as an advisor for their Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, among many other international distinctions. Both VDT and Maqoma have undergone incredible transformations over the years. VDT has been increasingly run as a company that is trending ever closer towards selfsustainability – something that Maqoma knew he couldn’t achieve alone and so he brought collaborators on board to guide him in the right direction. Collaboration has always been central to Maqoma’s way of creating. In our interview with him this month,
PHOTO Matthew Jordaan
he says, ‘VDT was never about me only’ and this is evident in the path he has taken the dance company on. Through strategy and sharing, Maqoma has created a dance company that has gone from strength to strength each year, a company that is closely associated with his name but which is not reliant on him for its success. Congratulations to Gregory Maqoma and Vuyani Dance Theatre, we are incredibly proud to see you achieve this milestone and hope to be celebrating many more with you in the future!
Tammy Gregory Maqoma choreographing Four Seasons PHOTO John Hogg
Sizwe Khoza & Pontsho Sikhosana printing at Artist Proof Studio
will be at
FNB Art Joburg 13 - 15 September 2019
Featuring new editions by: Phillemon Hlungwane, Bambo Sibiya, Themba Khumalo, Sizwe Khoza, Cromwell Ngobeni, Lebohang Motaung, Lindo Zwane
ArtistProofJHB
Artist Proof Studio
gallery@artistproofstudio.co.za | 011 492 1278 | www.artistproofstudio.co.za
TEAM FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Lore Watterson; lore@desklink.co.za COPUBLISHER & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Chris Watterson; chris@desklink.co.za EDITOR Tamaryn Greer; tammy@desklink.co.za DIGITAL CONTENT CURATOR Angelia Muller; angelia@desklink.co.za ADDITIONAL EDITORIAL CONTENT: Indra Wussow Dave Mann Michelle Constant Ashraf Johaardien SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR Zama-Africa Mkhize; zama@desklink.co.za SALES & MARKETING sales@desklink.co.za, sales@creativefeel.co.za DESIGN Leigh Forrest; leigh@desklink.co.za DISPATCH Khumbulani Dube
We love this... Looking Back To Move Forward: Celebrating 20 Years of An Innovative Contemporary African Dance Company To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Vuyani Dance Theatre are releasing a beautiful publication published by Creative Feel/DeskLink Media that outlines their incredible journey. Filled with photographs from the last two decades, and
SUBSCRIPTION & CIRCULATION subs@creativefeel.co.za Published by DeskLink™ Media PO Box 3670, Randburg, 2125 Tel: 011 787 0252 Fax: 011 787 8204 www.creativefeel.co.za www.desklink.co.za
Printed by
, a division of Novus Holdings
© Copyright DeskLink™ Media
memories from top collaborators, Looking Back To Move Forward: Celebrating
The opinions expressed in this publication do not
20 Years of An Innovative Contemporary African Dance Company is a wonderful
necessarily represent the views of the publisher.
addition to any bookshelf or coffee table. Proceeds from sales will go towards funding the future of the dance company. For more info, contact lindiwe@vuyani.co.za CF
While every last effort has been made to check that the information in this magazine is correct at the time of going to press, the publisher and their agents will not be held liable for any damages incurred through any inaccuracies.
8 / Creative Feel / September 2019
The best of everything beautiful, stylish and handmade
T
his year, the Handmade Contemporary (HMC) Fair marks its ten-year anniversary and, in trademark HMC style, will be marking the occasion in a manner befitting the incredible wares that have
been displayed there over the years. Indisputably one of South Africa’s most charming markets, the HMC will be pulling out all the stops to celebrate – not least because, in a happy coincidence, 2019 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Hyde Park Corner, on whose rooftop the Fair is held, as well as South Africa’s 25th year as a democracy. Over the past ten years, the Handmade Contemporary Fair has established itself as a site of some of the African continent’s most accomplished products, where craft elegantly collides with luxury – whether in jewelry, homeware, high-end textiles, wines and gins, fashion or natural skincare. An exquisite commitment to excellence
‘The theme Memories and Dreams is really just
and craftsmanship is the common denominator. A lifestyle
a love letter to the incredible work that the artisans
experience without parallel, the HMC has played host to
and entrepreneurs all over the country, and across the
exhibitors such as fashion brand Africa Your Time is Now,
continent, put into the creations we’re so privileged to
who recently launched at the world-renowned retailer
showcase at the Handmade Contemporary Fair,’ comments
Bloomingdale’s in New York, the award winning Black
Lesley Hudson, director of Cut2Black Media, the Fair’s
Elephant Vintners, premier craft gin brand Inverroche, and
newly announced management company. ‘The exquisite
Senegalese fashion house Tongoro Studios whose designs
craftsmanship that will be on display this year continues in
were featured in supernova Beyoncé’s recent video, to
the proud tradition that the Fair has established over the
name a few.
past decade. We’re also thrilled to jointly celebrate our host
Celebrating under the theme ‘Memories and Dreams’, the HMC will be somewhat nostalgic in nature this year, reflecting on an admirable legacy of showcasing African
Hyde Park Corner’s 50th anniversary, and our beautiful South Africa’s 25th year as a democracy. The Handmade Contemporary Fair will be held at Hyde
creativity, while also celebratory and forward looking,
Park Shopping Mall from 11 – 13 October 2019. For more
embracing new and innovative design and artisanal culture.
information, visit www.handmadecontemporary.co.za CF
10 / Creative Feel / September 2019
University of Pretoria becomes first recipient of RMB Think Bench
Laurie Dippenaar, Professor Tawana Kupe, Louis Olivier and David Kabwa
T
he University of Pretoria (UP) is now home to a spectacular 13-metre sculptural public artwork – the Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) THINK Bench, a contemporary functional piece designed to celebrate
and encourage innovative and collaborative thinking. This ten-tonne concrete bench, unveiled in August, has been installed on UP’s Hatfield campus. Appropriately located between the Merensky Library and the Student Centre, this thoughtfully interactive sculpture can host more than 20 students, seated. RMB wanted to find a way for young talent to congregate and contribute through having conversations that matter. The bench was designed by artist Louis Olivier and his team from the Workhorse Bronze Foundry. Being a bench for students, it was imperative that young artists were involved in the creation, hence two assistant artists – Allen Laing and Nkhensani Rihlapfu – being mentored throughout the process. The bench spells out the word ‘THINK’ from one side, while another perspective reveals life-sized human silhouettes in different thinking poses. It acts as a reflective reminder to students passing by that sometimes one needs to change one’s perspective to think differently, reinforcing the bank’s brand ethos of ‘innovative and solutionist thinking’. UP became a natural partner for this project, especially when RMB received a thorough proposal from the Student Representative Council requesting a bench and elaborating on its potentially powerful role as ‘a safe space for students to think fearlessly and collaboratively debate and share solutions’. The bench at UP is one of a greater edition commissioned by RMB, the first of which was installed on the RMB Think Precinct at its Sandton headquarters in Johannesburg. CF
themelrosegallery.com
TheMelroseGallery
themelrose_gallerysa
Vocalist, producer and WONDERboom frontman, Cito, is cast as the male lead playing Stacee Jaxx, with The Voice South Africa 2017 runner-up Josh Ansley in the role of Drew, and singer, actor, director and producer Zak Hendrikz is Lonny. Popular actor, writer and award-winning director Neels Clasen is cast as Hertz, and actor and drama lecturer Matt Counihan plays the role of Franz. Twenty-one-year-old female lead Jessica Driver plays Sherrie and Lois du Plessis, in the role of Justice, returns to South Africa after living in the USA for almost twelve years. Returning from the highly successful Chicago The
Star-studded allSA Cast to rock Montecasino
B
Musical world tour sees former West End and SA performer Craig Urbani, Natasha van der Merwe and Raquel Munn in principal roles with fellow Chicago cast members Alex Girard and Stefania du Toit joining Lara Kleynhans, and Chantel Stanfield to complete the female ensemble. Lebohang Toko and Adam Benefield perform alongside the male ensemble members Thokozani Jiyane, JP Rossouw and Ryan Flynn. Produced by Montecasino in association with VR Theatrical, Rock of Ages combines the highly talented
roadway’s smash hit musical Rock of Ages is set to
production team of Executive Producer Jaco van Rensburg,
rock Montecasino’s Teatro for the first time from
Director and Choreographer Timothy Le Roux and Musical
26 September to 20 October 2019. This jukebox
Director/Associate Producer Wessel Odendaal, who leads the
musical features 28 classic rock songs from the
five-piece live band.
1980s, including the hits ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’, ‘The Final
Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical,
Countdown’, ‘Here I Go Again’ and many more. As the
Rock of Ages captures the iconic era that was the big, bad
humorous high-energy storyline unfolds, the audience takes
1980s. Nostalgic rock anthems include the music of Bon
a journey back to a colourful era while singing along to rock
Jovi, Journey, Twisted Sister, Styx, Poison, Foreigner, REO
anthems that come alive on stage. Rock of Ages is a feel-good
Speedwagon, Pat Benatar and many other great rock bands –
stage production where audiences are rocking in their seats at
this musical truly is larger than life!
every performance. The extraordinary characters and roller-coaster story
Rock of Ages is a seriously mindless, ridiculously enjoyable glamour-rock musical that is not to be missed! It’s
that turned Rock of Ages into a global phenomenon are
the hilarious book by Chris D’Arienzo that drives the piece.
brought to life by a dynamic all-South African cast, band
There’s great comedy, stellar performances and great music
and production team. The star-studded Rock of Ages cast
– all the ingredients of a great night out! Owing to adult
features this country’s finest talent across the entertainment
themes, a PG13 is recommended. Get your tickets at
spectrum, including musical theatre, television shows,
www.montecasino.co.za, by calling Computicket on
concerts, movies and recording artists.
083 915 8000 or at www.computicket.com
12 / Creative Feel / September 2019
‘An oasis of true peace’
T
he above statement is frequently made by visitors and guests who stay at Casta Diva Boutique Hotel, where guests are hardly ever disappointed. As summer is on its way, relaxing at the half-
Olympic-sized swimming pool will give you a sense of paradise as you enjoy the sunshine with a glass of wine while looking out at the Magaliesberg mountain range. Casta Diva’s beautifully maintained garden, which is just under two hectares, offers an almost fairy-tale escape as you wander through the tropical vegetation. With Casta Diva’s excellent Charisma Restaurant on the premises, you can conveniently take a culinary adventure without driving far to find great food. Serving a variety of dishes, the general consensus from guests is that the food is ‘excellent’.
ON STAGE AT CASTA DIVA Casta Diva’s intimate Vissi d’Arte theatre has two exciting performances planned for September.
This Is My Life on 21 September Acclaimed international cabaret artist Tonya Koenderman is coming to town with her show This Is My Life, a tribute to the great Dame Shirley Bassey. After over 60 years in show business, Bassey shows no sign of retiring any time soon. The show pays tribute to her extraordinary journey from rags to riches, as well as the songs she made famous: ‘Diamonds Are Forever’, ‘Goldfinger’,
Boutique Hotel A unique venue, nestled high on the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg amidst peaceful and tranquil surroundings that offer stunning views and an unsurpassed setting of natural beauty and elegance in an oasis of peace and serenity in the city.
‘Never Never Never’, ‘Big Spender’, ‘Nobody Does It Like Me’, and ‘This Is My Life’, among others. Koenderman narrates Bassey’s struggles, her heartbreak and her losses. She also speaks of the influence Bassey had over her life, as the shy little girl with the big belting voice.
The James Bond Golden Hits Tribute Show on 28 September Award-winning, internationally acclaimed singer Colé van dais will be touring Pretoria in September and brings you the James Bond Golden Hits Tribute Show experience. The show will be running for one night only. The Bond movie theme show will include the greatest hits from The James Bond Golden Hits Tribute Album, which will be available for purchase at the show, so that you can support an independent artist. With her magnifying stage presence, powerful voice and glamorous outfits, Van dais takes her audience on a musical journey of Bond theme songs, including: ‘Diamonds Are Forever’, ‘For Your Eyes Only’, ‘GoldenEye’ and ‘License to Kill’. Tickets for the shows are R140 each. To book, email info@castadiva.co.za or call/WhatsApp 081 542 4449. Visit their website at www.castadiva.co.za for more information, and keep an eye on their Facebook pages [Casta Diva the Place to | Casta Diva’s Charisma | Casta Diva’s Vissi d’Arte] to stay up to date with events and special offers.
So, treat yourself to a getaway like no other. Visit Casta Diva – the place to… simply be.
Guaranteed the true Decadent, Divine, Delightful fine dining experience, the perfect fusion between the magic of Casta Diva, fresh ingredients, a dedicated culinary team and the friendliest service of South Africa.
Creative Feel
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20
CELEBRATING
www.creativefeel.co.za
YEARS
OF GREGORY M AQOM A’ S VUYANI DANCE THEATRE
SEPTEMBER 2019
ART WEEK JOBURG 09019 9 771607
WHAT TO EXPECT 3 FAIRS TO ATTEND ARTISTS TO WATCH
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