Oliewenhuis Art Museum will be hosting an artist talk featuring the renowned South African contemporary artist Jan van der Merwe tomorrow, 22 February 2024. This event, hosted in collaboration with the UFS Art Gallery, will focus on van der Merwe’s artwork Vertoonkas.
According to the museum the installation, which is permanently displayed on the first floor of the Main Building, has received significant attention from visitors.
“In 2005, Vertoonkas was awarded the prestigious Helgaard Steyn Award for Sculpture, recognizing its excellence and accessibility to the South African public through exhibition in an art museum. In addition to Vertoonkas, Oliewenhuis Art Museum houses two more artworks by van der Merwe in its Permanent Collection. These pieces, titled, Cleaning instructions and Bullet proof jacket, were generously donated by the artist in 2013,” said Oliewenhuis.
The museum added that attendees will have the chance to delve deeper into the remarkable artworks of this exceptional artist and interact with him, making it a valuable experience. Jan van der Merwe is among the artists highlighted in the Grade 10-12 Visual Arts Curriculum, offering students the opportunity to explore his work.
According to Oliewenhuis, Jan van der Merwe works as an art lecturer and academic. He has showcased his work in numerous solo exhibitions, including the acclaimed Time and Space exhibition, which was held at the Main Building, Annex Gallery, and Reservoir at Oliewenhuis Art Museum from 9 July to 18 August 2013.
“This exhibition was honoured with the Best Achievement in Visual Art award at the kykNET Fiëstas Awards, recognizing excellence in art festivals. Jan van der Merwe’s artworks are highly regarded and can be found in esteemed collections both in South Africa and internationally.”
The artist talk starts at 11:00 and will take place on the first floor of the Main Building of the museum. Attendance is free of charge.
For more details regarding the artist talk, contact the museum at 078 968 4300 or email at oliewen@nasmus.co.za.
Compiled by Justine Fortuin
