Art and Democracy in South Africa - In Conversation with Liese van der Watt
About this Event
Art historian and curator Liese van der Watt will discuss her book, We, the People: 30 Years of Art and Democracy in South Africa, with Olympia Auctions’ African Art Specialist, Elikem Logan.
Together, they will consider what South Africa looks like three decades after its first democratic elections in 1994, exploring the achievements and continuing challenges that have shaped the nation, and how these are reflected in its art.
Liese wrote the book to accompany the major exhibition of the same name, which she curated at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town in 2025. Copies will be available to purchase during the evening.
The conversation takes place during the auction view for Olympia Auctions’ sale which takes place two days later, on Wednesday 11th November. The auction includes a private collection of South African art, featuring works by William Kentridge, Alexis Preller, David Botha, Frans Oerder, Gregoire Johannes, Jacob Hendrik Pierneef, Jean Welz and Tinus de Jongh, alongside works by artists from Zimbabwe, Ghana, Botswana and Nigeria.
Evening programme
- 6pm: Doors open and drinks reception
- 6.30–7pm: In Conversation, followed by a Q&A
- 7–8pm: Drinks reception
Proceeds from ticket sales will support the Norval Foundation’s Education Department in Cape Town, which runs art education workshops for children from local townships.
Find out more about the Norval Foundation.
Image of Liese van der Watt by Nicky Stowe
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 10.00
