Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) announces a collaboration with acclaimed South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga ahead of its highly anticipated Gala event taking place on Sunday, 11 February.
The Gala is an extraordinary celebration of art kicking off Cape Town Art Week that rolls out with Investec Cape Town Art Fair and multiple artistic activations around the city. This event will feature an exclusive eduction from a line-up of revered artists raising funds to support the museum’s curatorial and education programming.
The overall Gala scenography and key design elements are inspired by renowned South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga - drawing from his rich artistic oeuvre and adding a layer of aesthetic depth to an event that promises to be an enchanting experience.
Ruga’s work is a cornerstone of the Zeitz MOCAA Permanent Collection, which proudly includes iconic pieces like The Night of the Long Knives (2013-2014), a series of dazzling photographic mise-en-scènes; the ornately bloomed Proposed Model for Tseko Simon Nkoli Memorial (2017); and the cinematic Over the Rainbow (2016-17) which is a centrepiece and point of departure in our new collections exhibition Sala.
His playful imagery draws from a diverse range of cultural references that are not limited to a specific biology, ancestral origin, or geographical location. The queer, Black, femme, and hybrid figures represented in Ruga’s work exist in a liminal world between utopia and reality.
A key feature of the Gala is an exclusive art auction facilitated by Strauss & Co, featuring works generously donated by a stellar line-up of internationally recognised artists, including William Kentridge, Senzeni Marasela, Mary Evans, Zandile Tshabalala, Unathi Mkonto, Kemang Wa Lehulere, Abdoulaye Konaté, and Alfredo Jaar. Notably, South African artist Cinga Samson has made a generous monetary donation in support of the work of the institution.
In addition, the museum will present its prestigious Zeitz MOCAA Honorary Awards for Artistic Excellence and Philanthropic Achievement, recognising an exceptional individual in each category who have made outstanding contributions to our art ecology. It is a moment to honour the visionaries shaping the thriving landscape of contemporary art in Africa.
A special invite-only Collateral Programme will be hosted by Zeitz MOCAA’s Executive Director and Chief Curator Koyo Kouoh for select VIP guests, bringing together some of the world's most significant art collectors, museum directors and other influential players in the global arts industry to engage with our local art ecology.
The programme unfolds over five days, offering a curated experience with a rich tapestry of events, engagements, and visits that provide a unique glimpse into Cape Town as a global art destination.
We will delve into cultural sites such as the San Heritage Centre !Khwa ttu, engage with the museum's curatorial team through private tours of our current exhibitions, explore artistic practices during studio visits, connect with some of the country's most notable galleries and art institutions, and share meals at the city’s most sought-after hotels, addresses, and restaurants. Zeitz MOCAA VIP Collateral programme was made possible by Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO), 21 Nettleton, Silo Hotel, !Khwa ttu, Goodman Gallery, The One&Only, Ellerman House, SMAC, La Perla, Strauss & Co, and Brundyn Art and Culture.
Zeitz MOCAA Gala 2024 is proud to have the support of esteemed partners and sponsors, including Gucci, BMW, Condé Nast South Africa, Hazendal Wines, Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO), Moët Hennessy, Don Julio 1942, Viviers Studio, Hatem Omam at Studio Safar, and Tandym Print PTY (ltd) with print facilitation by Philip Kannemeyer.
The much sought-after Gala tickets are selling fast, so book your ticket now to ensure you do not miss this opportunity to be part of an evening that unites passion, purpose, and the pursuit of artistic excellence. To purchase tickets and reservations, please visit: https://zeitzmocaa.museum/zeitz-mocaa-gala-2024/
