Norval Foundation invests in wind art
IN A first for Africa, South Africa’s newest art museum, public sculpture park, the Norval Foundation based in Tokai, has made a permanent acquisition of British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare’s Wind Sculpture (SG) II.
The sculpture will be unveiled in February 2019, increasing the British-Nigerian artist’s visibility on the continent where he was born, and facilitating global dialogues with his singular practice.
“I am thrilled that Wind Sculpture (SG) II has been acquired by the Norval foundation bringing visibility to my work in Africa.
“The principle of this acquisition will resonate far beyond the institution itself. I can’t tell you how proud I am,” Shonibare said.
Liza Essers Goodman Gallery owner and director said the investment was exciting.
“It is very exciting for one of the only public sculpture parks in South Africa to be investing in this important artist from the diaspora and bring his work back home, as it were. We are thrilled to have the Norval Foundation join the art community,” she said.
“The fact that Norval are to be funding the production of major sculptures and installations – in addition to acquiring a permanent collection of sculptures – indicates a dedication to African art that deserves recognition.”
The Norval Foundation is situated on the edges of a natural wetland.
The building was specifically designed so as to minimise its environmental impact. It is a centre for art and cultural expression dedicated to the research and exhibition of 20th and 21st-century visual art from South Africa and beyond.
General of Tivoli (2018) is a new sculpture by Shonibare which prefigures his highly-anticipated exhibition with Goodman Gallery in Johannesburg this September, titled Ruins Decorated – his first solo show on the continent in over 15 years.
The Norval Foundation is open Monday – Sunday from 10am until 4.14pm. Entrance fee, R140 for adults, while children under 18 are free.