Multi-purpose exhibition space opens in Sandton Square

Simply called The Studio, the space on Mandela Square in Sandton City is a fresh and fluid multi-purpose exhibition space. "We've created The Studio specifically with the bustling cosmopolitan surroundings of Sandton in mind, and intend it to become the foremost venue for inter-disciplinary exhibitions of South African art and artists, lectures by leading connoisseurs of the arts, and the display of the finest art, design and decorative arts that South Africa has to offer," said Grace O'Malley from the Stephan Welz & Co Studio.

The 170m² Studio is an open industrial space with exposed pipes and glass on two sides. "It's an adaptable blank canvas with a minimalist look which can be transformed for different types of art, or even live performance," said O'Malley.

Aston Martin photographs

The Studio's first exhibit features contemporary photographs taken by Clint Strydom at Aston Martin's Design Studio in Gaydon in the UK and at the luxury car manufacturer's showrooms in South Africa.

"Viewing this collection of work printed on the best quality cotton paper and produced in limited edition, one is immediately struck by the sophistication and diverse playfulness in lines that appear as abstract compositions," said international paintings consultant Dr Fred Scott. "The realisation that these images represent Aston Martin cars comes as a surprise to the viewer," he said.

"It was never my intention to represent the car in its realistic form," said Strydom, the artist. "I was inspired by the beauty of the car and the emotions and feelings I experienced when viewing it through the lens of my camera. Lines, shadows, contours, colours, light, reflections and perspectives all merge to portray the car as an artwork in itself," he said.

Elements: Clint Strydom's Aston Martin Collection will be exhibited at The Studio from 23 July to 6 August.

Other forthcoming events at The Studio include:

• 16 September: A Presentation of Prisoner of Boer War Art and Activities - Part II - Ceylon, a talk by Robin Woodruff.
  
• 1 to 22 October: Roel Roelofsen: The Life and Works of a Forgotten Master.

The Studio is open to the public at no charge, Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm and Sunday, 10am to 4pm. For more information and regular updates, go to www.stephanwelzandco.co.za.