“This exhibition reassesses the work of both Pemba and Hodgins as essentially complex acts of creation, as both intellectual and emotional in origin,” says Wilhelm van Rensburg, Strauss & Co’s head curator and organizer of the exhibition. “The works are products of a disciplined knowledge of the skill of painting and the art of transforming life into art.”
Social Stances is the third in a series of on-going exhibitions organized by Strauss & Co exploring synergies between pairs of historical artists. The first exhibition, in 2019, paired Louis Maqhubela and Douglas Portway, and the second, in 2020, placed works by Gladys Mgudlandlu and Maggie Laubser in conversation. The exhibition will run throughout the month of July and is viewable in person by appointment only, as well as – more conveniently – online. The exhibition is accompanied by a downloadable e-catalogue featuring essays by Van Rensburg, Pemba specialist Sarah Hudleston and Hodgins expert Neil Dundas.