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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250601T090000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250829T163000
DTSTAMP:20250720T102259Z
CREATED:20250720T102254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250720T102259Z
UID:79947-1748768400-1756485000@urbanlifestylesa.co.za
SUMMARY:Out of the Icebox – Sanlam Celebrates 60 Years of Art Collecting with Rarely Seen Masterpieces
DESCRIPTION:Sanlam Opens Its Vaults for a Celebratory 60-Year Art Retrospective \n\n\n\nIn a momentous tribute to six decades of artistic patronage\, Sanlam is lifting the curtain on one of South Africa’s most distinguished corporate art collections. From 1 June to 29 August 2025\, the Sanlam Art Gallery in Bellville will host two major exhibitions — Out of the Icebox and Manifesto — to mark the 60th anniversary of the Sanlam Art Collection. \n\n\n\nBoasting over 2\,000 works spanning from 1874 to the present day\, the Sanlam Art Collection is now valued at an impressive R210 million. What began in 1965 as a humble initiative to decorate corporate offices has evolved into a vital archive of South Africa’s visual art heritage. \n\n\n\nOut of the Icebox: A Journey Through Six Decades of Collecting \n\n\n\nThe headline exhibition\, Out of the Icebox\, takes visitors on a rich journey through time\, showcasing 90 works acquired from 1965 to today. The aptly titled show refers to “defrosting” artworks that have been stored away or hidden in office corridors — offering the public a rare opportunity to encounter important yet rarely seen pieces. \n\n\n\nStefan Hundt\, Curator of the Sanlam Art Collection\n\n\n\nThis curated selection reads like a who’s who of South African art history\, featuring icons such as: \n\n\n\n\nIrma Stern\, Gerard Sekoto\, Walter Battiss\, Maggie Laubser\n\n\n\nGerard Bhengu\, David Koloane\, Alexis Preller\, Simon Lekgetho\n\n\n\nContemporary artists like Blessing Ngobeni\, Frans Thoka\, and Franz Asha Zero\n\n\n\n\n\n“Out of the Icebox is more than a retrospective — it’s a celebration of South African creativity and a mirror to our collective history\,” . \nsays Stefan Hundt\, Curator of the Sanlam Art Collection\n\n\n\nManifesto: Art in the Age of Protest \n\n\n\nRunning parallel to Out of the Icebox\, the second exhibition\, Manifesto\, is a compact but emotionally resonant showcase. Featuring 18 impactful works\, the exhibition focuses on themes of protest\, human rights\, and democracy\, offering a bold reflection on South Africa’s journey from apartheid to the present. \n\n\n\nInstalled to coincide with Human Rights Day\, Freedom Day\, and Youth Day\, Manifesto challenges viewers to confront historical injustice and contemplate the socio-political currents shaping the country today. \n\n\n\nBuilding a Cultural Legacy \n\n\n\nSanlam’s commitment to the arts was never merely aesthetic. Established during a period of political and cultural isolation in 1965\, the collection was a strategic act of corporate citizenship\, supporting artists whose voices were often sidelined. From its inception\, an independent advisory committee curated the works — a decision that cemented the collection’s credibility and depth. \n\n\n\nAs Hundt notes\, “Our gallery is not just a space to show art — it’s a space to reflect\, to engage\, and to confront the realities artists explore.” \n\n\n\nWith dedicated galleries in Bellville and Sandton\, Sanlam continues to make space for bold\, complex\, and often challenging works that push beyond the confines of traditional corporate collections. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA Cultural Treasure for the Nation \n\n\n\nWhile the collection’s market value exceeds R210 million\, Hundt insists that its cultural value is immeasurable. “Like the Medicis of Renaissance Florence\, Sanlam’s patronage leaves a permanent imprint on South Africa’s cultural history. These works are part of our national soul.” \n\n\n\nVisitors to the exhibition will come away with a renewed appreciation for the depth\, diversity\, and global relevance of South African art.  \n\n\n\n\n“Our artists can hold their own on any stage in the world. This exhibition is proof.” \nsays Hundt\n\n\n\nPlan Your Visit \n\n\n\n\n🎟️ Admission: Free to the public\n\n\n\n🗣️ Guided Tours: Available on request\n\n✉️ Email: sanlamart@sanlam.co.za\n\n\n\n📞 Phone: 021 947 3359\n\n\n\n📱 WhatsApp: 083 457 2699\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhether you’re an art aficionado or simply curious about South Africa’s visual heritage\, Out of the Icebox and Manifesto promise a powerful\, thought-provoking celebration of the country’s artistic legacy — and a rare glimpse into works that have shaped\, mirrored\, and challenged the nation for six decades.
URL:https://urbanlifestylesa.co.za/event/out-of-the-icebox-sanlam-celebrates-60-years-of-art-collecting-with-rarely-seen-masterpieces/
LOCATION:Sanlam Art Gallery in Bellville\, 2 Strand Rd\, Bellville\, Cape Town\, Western Cape\, 7530\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Art
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