Painted earthenware. Sculpted by Victor Shabalala, painted by Virginia Xaba, 2009. Included in the collection "Travellers of Africa". Measures 30 x 50 x 50 cm.
The Hallwyl Museum, within the frame of ARS 11, will exhibit colourful artwork from South Africa’s largest ceramic studios, Ardmore. ARS is the largest recurrent art event in the Nordic countries and it’s aim is to change the view on Africa and contemporary art. The Ardmore studio was founded in 1985 by Fèe Halstedt who, together with her assistant Bonnie Nitshalintshali, developed the style that is characteristic of Ardmore. Strong colours and fanciful shapes drawn from the ambience of nature. The ceramics are found today in galleries and art museums the world over, for auction at Bonhams and Christie’s and in the homes of many private collectors. This is the first time ceramics from Ardmore are being exhibited in northern Europe.
The full proceeds from the auction on the 9th of june will go to the Ardmore Excellence Fund, which through research, information and support of those affected, helps to increase the awareness of HIV and AIDS. The purchased artworks will continue to be displayed in the Museum until the 4th of September.