thirty-nine exhibitions have taken place at Harrie’s
Pancakes Restaurants in Pretoria, Graskop, Dullstroom and
Cape Town, all of which are strategically situated in
tourist destinations. All of the exhibitions have been
meticulously documented and detailed in Map’s unique
series of ‘black books’. These booklets are available at
each exhibition and have proved to be a rich resource for
the public. They are assembled as a collector’s item in a
limited-edition, boxed set.
Map has evolved organically, collaboratively, intuitively
and, ironically, without a map. It is a work in progress
whose future contents and direction are not planned so
much as discovered along the way, responding to needs and
opportunities as they arise. Criteria for inclusion in Map
are not predictable, academic or necessarily bankable.
Rather, selection is guided by the personal vision,
keen intuition and sense of vocation of its founder and
the like-minded network of collaborators. Understanding
the crucial role of the patron in the careers of young
artists, Map seeks to identify and promote promising
artists, while recognising the importance and influence of
established ones. Thus the history of Map has unfolded,
and continues to unfold, with as much serendipity as
deliberation.
This exhibition recognises Map’s contribution to the
advancement of contemporary art in South Africa. On
display are recent works by all thirty-nine artists who
have participated in Map. They represent a broad and
democratic spectrum of artists and genres, and show
the eclectic and exciting range of art being produced
right here on our own soil. Included are paintings,
photographs, sculptures, prints, performance and land
art, and even rare specimens of contemporary glass
art. Some participants, such as Willem Boshoff, Diane
Victor and Sandile Zulu, are renowned local artists with
international credentials. Others, like Claude van Lingen,
live overseas. Sadly, Basie Yssel and Robert Hodgins have
recently passed away. But the majority of Map participants
are students and graduates for whom Map has provided a
platform and opportunities to gain exposure, and who have,
with the encouragement and support of Map, gone on to
establish careers as artists.
The art world is notoriously hard to crack, and Map has
provided a much-needed stepping stone for many where
otherwise there are few alternative channels. This
exhibition applauds Map’s initiative and success to date.
It also hopes to give steam to the next phase of Map’s
journey, wherever it may lead.