AWAD is pleased to share that Global Chapter Members StArt Art Gallery and Guns & Rain Gallery are participating in the the African Galleries Now online art fair in collaboration with the African Art Galleries Association (AAGA) and Artsy. The fair brings together a network of 12 pan-African galleries and 48 artists This online art fair is ongoing through June 27, 2021.

StArt Art Gallery are presenting the work of Isabel Katjavivi, Elisia Nghidishange, Nicky Marais and Arno Hoth. These artists incorporate aspects of play, activism and freedom into their work. By incorporating play the artists all create space for spontaneity to enter the work and facilitate their process. In the case of Arno Hoth we see an artist whose inspiration is rooted in ancient art and his own subconscious. Looking back to more recent history, Isabel Katjavivi creates photographic work that remembers and grapples with Namibia’s struggle for Independence from South African Apartheid rule. Elisia Nighidishage and Nicky Marais’ artworks speak to the ongoing and contemporary struggles of women and the LGBTQ+ communities in Namibia whose freedoms are curtailed by oppressive la

This presentation is timely in its response to the last two years of increased activism in the Namibian capital of Windhoek, which has roots in the ongoing struggles of the past century.

Guns & Rain are presenting artists Thina Dube, Ann Gollifer, Tuli Mekondjo, and Sizwe Sama Sibisi.

“Emerging galleries need the support of a professional community, especially in countries where arts infrastructure is underdeveloped, and where it is important to set industry standards for professional practice. It can be more financially efficient to team up on projects. We’re certainly demonstrating our African talent for collaboration!” Says Dr. Julie Taylor, owner of Guns & Rain Gallery in Johannesburg, South Africa.

For more information on the galleries please visit www.startartgallery.com and www.gunsandrain.com.