Venture transforms viewers into adventurers, inviting them to discover fresh perspectives through diverse media displayed in the Reservoir at Oliewenhuis Art Museum. 

The collection showcases cutting-edge artworks that explore the South African diaspora and rich cultural themes. Yolanda de Kock from the ArtbankSA joins Yolanda Maartens in the OFM Art Beat to unpack the process of purchasing works from the exhibition and to highlight the importance of such an exhibition for artists in South Africa.

ArtbankSA is a National Programme of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and was launched in 2017 to support and acquire works from emerging South African artists. ArtbankSA continues to thrive and now offers artworks for sale to companies, organisations, and private collectors.

Yolanda de Kock, in conversation with OFM’s Yolanda Maartens, speaks of the power art has, specifically the exhibition Venture, to reflect and to spark conversations and about various themes, including displacement and relocation – subjects particularly relevant to South Africa’s economic landscape.

The ArtbankSA curatorial team states: “The exhibition confronts the devastating reality of gender-based violence, patriarchy, and female suppression, issues that resonate both locally and globally. Participating artists critically engage with themes of identity, loss, and cultural heritage through their artistic practices.”

Venture will be on view until 23 March 2025 at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum at 16 Harry Smith Street, Bloemfontein and is open to the public from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays between 09:00 and 16:00. A ramp at the entrance of the main entrance provides access for wheelchairs, while a lift provides access to the Permanent Collection display areas on the 1st floor.

For more information on Oliewenhuis Art Museum, please contact the museum at 078 968 4300 or ontwerp@nasmus.co.za. Stay up to date by following Oliewenhuis Art Museum on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all upcoming exhibitions and events.

Art collecting

All artworks exhibited in Venture are available for purchase. Visitors are invited to discover the perfect addition to their collections. Whether taking the first steps into art collecting, building an emerging collection, or adding to an established portfolio, our diverse price ranges make authentic South African art accessible to all.

For inquiries about acquiring artwork, please contact Ester le Roux at artbank@nasmus.co.za or visit the ArtbankSA website at www.artbanksa.org to view the entire collection.