Kizo Art Gallery at Gateway will host an exhibition entitled In Honour of the Artists of Rorke’s Drift 1960’s to 1970’s featuring the work of John Muafangejo, Sandile Zulu, Jocob Matsose, R.Goswana, Vincent Baloyi and others.

Swedish missionaries set up an arts school at Rorke’s Drift in KwaZulu-Natal for Black South Africans who could not access universities because of Apartheid. The works that emanated from this programme have become internationally renowned and are sought-after by local and international collectors.

A private collector has generously agreed to exhibit this superb collection of valuable works from this sought-after period. The works have remained hidden until now and are of such historical and cultural importance that the collector felt that it was in the public’s interest that they be exhibited. They are of massive historical significance to KZN as many of the works from this period have left the province.

It is hoped that this exhibition adds its weight to the current dialogue revolving around issues of South Africa being at risk of losing many of the country’s most valuable artworks due to the interest from international markets. Local collectors and galleries simply cannot afford to outbid international collectors who are offering huge amounts of money for works by some South African artists.

This demand is sure to continue based on the massive international marketing campaign for The Soccer World Cup 2010. Schools, universities, artists and collectors are encouraged to visit the exhibition which consists of 43 works. The works will not be offered for sale as it is the collector’s desire that they do not join the many others that have been purchased by international collectors and have left South Africa.

In Honour of The Artists of Rorke’s Drift 1960’s to 1970’s opens at the Kizo Art Gallery (Upstairs Gallery) at Gateway on August 4 at 18h30 and runs until August 25.