TO Palazzo Barolo in Turin, the exhibition is open From Monet to Picasso. Masterpieces of the Johannesburg Art Gallerya visual narrative in sixty-three works, a collection that will be a composite journey through the history of international art, but also a cultural suggestion on a little-known art scene and museum reality, such as the Johannesburg Art Gallery.
“A truly precious reality waiting to be discovered – he says the curator Simona Bartolena – aware of her past, but firmly convinced of the need to look towards the future. An important and vital museum, which came to life from a passion, and which continues its path with passion and intelligence today.”
The exhibition actually reflects the path of artistic and cultural growth of the city of Johannesburg and in particular of the JAG, Johannesburg Art Galleryfounded in the early 1900s by the collector Dorothea Sarah Florence Alexandra Ortlepp Phillips, better known as Lady Florence Phillips.
Claude Monet, “Spring”, 1875 (© Johannesburg Art Gallery).
The intent was to transform a mining center, which grew up around the wealth of its deposits, into a city modeled on the models of European capitals, with a museum that was not just a space in which to collect and exhibit works of art, but a place for civil societywhere to create and promote culture; a reference for everyone, not just for art lovers.
The long-term goal was to pave the way for the growth of a South African Art School, encouraging local artists, for a cultural growth of the entire population.
“Art has always been a means to put different people in communication with each other from a cultural point of view. A bridge that has remained solid through cordial relations between nations. A way to build mutual knowledge and offer positive perspectives on the richness and variety of the different peoples of the world.
This exhibition is no exception: it is a way for South Africa – and in particular for the city of Johannesburg – to communicate with other cities of the world through this prestigious art collection” Vuyisile Mshudulu – Director of Arts, Cultures and Traditions City of Johannesburg.
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