The Stellenbosch Triennale signals the growing global interest for collectors of African women artists. The exhibition explores themes of breath, play and resilience and features African female artists such as South Africa’s Lebohang Kganye (In The Current), Zambia’s Gladys Kalichini (The Bioscope) and Ethiopia’s Helen Zeru (On The Cusp), among others.
Rising Prominence
A recent report by ArtTactic reveals that African female artists are now leading the art market, with their works fetching the highest sales. In 2024, the average price of works by female African artists was approximately R446,500, a significant jump, though still far below the global average of R3,420,000 for female artists. This disparity points to a growing appreciation of African women’s art but highlights how much further the market has to go to achieve full recognition.
Khulekani Ndzimande, Trustee at the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust, attributes this rise to the unique blend of cultural narratives and contemporary experiences that African female artists bring to the table. “These artists challenge traditional norms, offering fresh insights into gender, identity and the impact of social issues,” explains Ndzimande. “Their diverse techniques, from traditional crafts to modern media, showcase versatility and innovation, making their work highly relevant.”
The Stellenbosch Triennale showcases a wide array of powerful works from emerging and established African artists. Elana Brundyn, Trustee and a prominent figure in the South African art world, speaks passionately about the importance of supporting these artists. “The African feminine perspective has become a cornerstone in contemporary discourse,” says Brundyn. “These artists reclaim their space and challenge the dominant narratives, blending activism with art in ways that are intellectually and emotionally powerful.”
Among her favourites at the Triennale is Lebohang Kganye, whose work explores the tension between history, memory and fiction. Brundyn lauds her ability to transform archival material and family history into immersive storytelling through photography, sculpture and film. “Lebohang’s work bridges past and present, making history feel personal and immediate. She is truly redefining contemporary art from Africa,” says Brundyn, who has been privileged to work closely with the artist.
Start Collecting
As part of the Stellenbosch Triennale, the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust (SOST) continues its mission to bring contemporary art to public spaces. SOST has been instrumental in creating opportunities for the public to engage with art outside traditional gallery settings, bringing over 250 works of art to the streets of Stellenbosch. The Trust’s commitment to public art exhibitions helps to inspire locals and visitors alike while fostering educational opportunities for all.
Expert Advice on Collecting Art
The art market can seem daunting, especially for those just beginning their collection journey. But with the right guidance and passion, anyone can become a collector. International art collectors and patrons of the Stellenbosch Triennale, Michael Silver and Stephanie Thomas, share their insights into the art of collecting.
- Understand the art you’re buying: Don’t just go off an initial love of a piece; learn about the artist, their background and their style. Understand the school of thought they are coming from so you’re more informed about your purchase.
- Take time to live with a piece: It can take time to decide whether you truly like something. You may fall in love with a piece in a showroom, only to bring it home and realise it doesn’t fit.
- Get to know the artist: It’s important to understand where the artist is coming from personally, as this can influence how you feel about their work. If you connect with their story, you’ll be more likely to appreciate the work in the long run.
- Have an emotional connection: Art should make you happy. Don’t collect pieces just because they are expected to be valuable or have status. Collect for the joy it brings you, not for investment purposes.
- Be prepared for the long term: Find pieces that will continue to make you happy for years. Look for art that will expose itself in new ways the more you view it and interact with it.
For those who are just starting their collection journey, Ndzimande offers advice on entering the world of art collecting in South Africa. “It’s important to start by understanding the artists and their work,” he says. “The Triennale has been a great opportunity to see the diverse range of work from artists like Kasangathi Godelive Kabena, Simphiwe Buthelezi, Manyaku Mashilo and Gladys Kalichini, whose art tells stories of identity, history and social change.”
More information
The Stellenbosch Triennale runs until the 30th of April 2025 at Oude Libertas, Rupert Museum and Stellenbosch University Museum. Entry is free to the public.
This years’ edition of the Stellenbosch Triennale 2025 is supported by Outset Contemporary Art Fund, Afexim Bank, Remgro, and Heineken.