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Diane Victor's masterpieces arrive in Jhb for a dazzling new exhibition

Open City and FNB Art Joburg have teamed to launch an exclusive showcase of the visionary artist’s impactful creations

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By Edwain Steenkamp | September 7, 2023 | Art

Art, art exhibition, johannesburg, South Africa, contemporary art, open city, diane victor, artists showcase
‘Jumping the Shadow’ 2017 Edition 25, printed and published by Atelier le Grand Village. Image: Supplied

Building on the resounding success of her captivating exhibition earlier this year at Spier Wine Farm in the Western Cape, renowned artist Diane Victor’s rousing pieces exploring the dark side of South African society, the vulnerability of life and the human condition are coming to Johannesburg.

Diane Victor’s masterpieces will be exhibited in Johannesburg from 6-12 September 2023. Image: Supplied

Open City and FNB Art Joburg will present a curated selection of Victor’s works at Strauss & Co from 6 to 12 September 2023, to coincide with FNB Art Joburg as part of Open City's sweeping citywide cultural activations.

Diane working on stone at Atelier le Grand Village. Image: Supplied

The exhibition, which is open to the public and free to attend, will be unveiled on the evening of 5 September with an invitation-only book signing of the newly published Diane Victor – Prints, Drawings, Smoke. This monograph, from French publishers Mare et Martin, covers forty years of the virtuoso’s politically engaged career and provides a stylistic analysis of her work through a large selection of her prints and drawings. The book reveals Victor’s extraordinary mastery of printmaking and drawing techniques, and her constant exploration of new media, such as ash and candle soot. Her graphic works, almost exclusively in black and white, are woven through with references to the history of art and mythology. There will be a special exhibition walkabout with Diane Victor on Saturday 9 September 2023, from 10am – 12pm.

Goat who lead the flock 2019 Edition 20, printed and published by Atelier le Grand Village

Both the exhibition and the book capture Victor’s career-long consideration of themes of corruption, social inequality and the human condition, especially the vulnerabilities experienced by women. Through her thought-provoking creations, Victor raises implicit questions that resonate deeply with viewers, inviting them to contemplate the complex tapestry of life.

Exhibition details

Date: 6-12 September 2023

Time: Monday-Friday, 09h00-16h00

Location: Strauss & Co, 89 Central St, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg.