AS the Bat Centre commemorates its 20th anniversary, it launched The BAT Centre Permanent Art Collection Exhibition which opened on Tuesday.
Visual arts co-ordinator, Fortune Bengu, said the centre wants to showcase its collection of artworks, among other objectives, with the launch of this collection.
“We also want to provide a visual history of the breadth of the BAT Centre visual arts, thus celebrating the milestone and the richness of the collection. We also want to have an educational component that will aid high school and university learners in their studies,” he explained.
The exhibition will run in the Menzi Mchunu Gallery until March 2. Bengu said the BAT Centre houses a collection that comprises substantial South African artworks dating back to 1989: “The collection, which has evolved over the years, consists of two- and three-dimensional art pieces. The collection began with various gifts made to the centre. Among the significant early acquisitions are important paintings by Menzi Mchunu, Anthony Starkey, Lalelani Mbhele, Lola Frost and Bronwen Findlay.”
He said that over the years the centre developed a collecting mandate which focused on paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures by artists who have made a significant contribution to KwaZulu-Natal; second, on works of significance by Durban artists in general; and finally on relevant works by artists from outside Durban.
This exhibition marks the centre’s 20th anniversary. Other celebrations are planned for August and September this year.