Artful Payment

Until June 29, the Stevenson gallery in Johannesburg will host an exhibition of work by Anton Kannemeyer, entitled ‘Paintings and prints for doctors and dentists.’

The idea for the show came about after Kannemeyer’s doctor asked him to start paying for treatment in artwork rather than money. A problem arose when the doctor’s wife rejected each proposed piece as being unsuitable for their home. When Kannemeyer’s dentist caught on and requested the same form of remuneration, the artist decided he would create a series of works that these ‘types’ of people would hang in their homes.  

The body of work on show is very varied in style and subject. Although Kannemeyer is best known for provocative art that frequently examines race, politics and sex, ‘Paintings and prints for doctors and dentists’ highlights the diversity of his output. Comprising both portraiture and landscape, Kannemeyer’s frequent critique of middle class, South African values is laid bare, once more, in a new series of paintings, ‘Splendid Dwelling’. (Hopefully this critique doesn’t inspire any vandalism!)

The Cape Town based artist has exhibited all over the world, from Munich to New York and Cape Town. Since co-founding the Bitterkomix series with Conrad Botes in 1992, he has become one of the most prolific South African artists and one whose work is continually laced with comedy and satire.  

Make sure you swing by the exhibition.

More info: www.stevenson.info