The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria hosts a bold, multi-faceted exhibition across its galleries. Titled One and the Many, the exhibition will feature various constellations and groupings of artworks that explore the way in which artists narrate the relationship between the individual and the collective, or the self in relation to others.

The thematic arrangements will investigate new relationships and meanings between artists, artworks, genres and periods in art history. Through spatial changes and curatorial gestures, One and the Many aims to open up different possibilities for reading images and artwork.

Six contemporary artists – Stephané E Conradie, Goldendean, Ledelle Moe, Abdus Salaam, Inga Somdyala and Katlego Tlabela – were invited to have their large-scale artworks be in dialogue with three of the collections in the care of Javett-UP: the South32 Collection, the Javett Family Collection and the Bongi Dhlomo Collection.

The exhibition was conceived and organised by guest curator Storm Janse van Rensburg in collaboration with the curatorial team at Javett-UP.

“The scope of the collections in the care of the institution allows for nuanced dialogues with South African art histories, and explores their relevance to our time,” said Janse van Rensburg, who brings a globally informed yet locally rooted curatorial approach to the exhibition. “To be allowed to experiment while also paying homage to our rich artistic heritage has been a deeply rewarding journey, and we are excited to share it with our various publics and constituencies. Working closely with the talented, enthusiastic Javett-UP team, the extraordinary artists, as well as the proximity and engagement with the UP faculty and staff has been illuminating and enriching.”