Iconic South African personalities celebrated in fine art photography collection

At a time when South Africans need optimism about the future more than anything, a new collection of visual art celebrating our culture of greatness is providing exactly that. In Good Company, the book, by local artist Marc-Gregory and made possible by Old Mutual Insure, featuring 32 prolific South Africans who have achieved extraordinary greatness, is now available in book stores and online. 

The timeless book features over 100 art pieces inspiring hope, strength and courage for South Africans with visual art that is powerful and visceral. Personalities that feature in the book include Ayanda Thabethe, Pearl Thusi, J’Something, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Maps Maponyane, Minnie Dlamini-Jones, Master KG, Thapelo Mokoena, Siba Mtongana, Catherine Constantinides and others. The book opens with a forward by Prof. Thuli Madonsela who also features in the fine art collection.

From musicians to mavericks, humanitarians to health heroes, musicians to chefs, our country has an abundance of talented people that have achieved remarkable feats across all walks of life. In honoring South Africa’s culture of greatness, In Good Company, the book, shares the exceptional perspectives and astounding stories through some of our country’s top achievers, both through visual  iconography cleverly woven into the fine art and short stories conveying what one can learn from these unique people.

Paging through the book, one will discover how, for instance, Maponyane overcame his childhood stutter and grew to become a distinguished speaker, how Jeremy Loops connects to his creative flow, or how Siba Mtongana sees optimism as the secret ingredient in her culinary creations. One can only wonder at how Khuli Chana reclaimed his personal power after a near-fatal accident or how Farah Fortune went from struggling single mom to being named Africa’s most influential woman in media. Read about Pearl Thusi’s mental model for success, how Boity learned patience, how Siv Ngesi believes in strength in vulnerability and more. 

As an additional experience, many of the art pieces come to life using an augmented reality smartphone app. This enables one to enjoy the selected images with a new dimension.

Describing himself as a “visual alchemist,” Marc-Gregory spent two years creating the collection, assembling South Africans across different walks of life that have achieved incredible accomplishments, and those whose stories have the potential to inspire others to pursue their own potential. While they all share traits of authenticity, clarity of mindset and dedication to their success, there are many stories that will pleasantly surprise you.  Many have been recognized with awards for the greatness that they have achieved.  Many are current, relevant and recognisable to South Africans. They all have inspiring stories to share. And, as the title of the book suggests, they’re good company. 

“When I embarked on this journey two years ago, little did I know how much magic, creativity and dexterity was waiting to be explored. I’ve learnt so much from these accomplished people, and hope that this collection will inspire all South Africans to follow their dreams and acknowledge the greatness they see in each other”.

explained Marc-Gregory

“Moreover, I hope to make a meaningful contribution to the Reach for a Dream Foundation who do such impactful work in this regard with children”. 

he added

In Good Company, the book is powered by Old Mutual Insure, in partnership with Reach for a Dream. All proceeds from the book will be used to support children with life-threatening illnesses. Additionally, In Good Company, the exhibition is now on exhibit at Sandton City, where a selection of over 40 of the art pieces can be viewed, together with an online audio guide until 24 October 2021. Some of the pieces come to life using augmented reality. 

For more information, go to www.ingoodcompany.live or to follow the artist on social media go to @marcgregoryart.