For the next 12 months, visitors to the Radisson Red Hotel in Rosebank will have a chance to view artwork by Zanele Muholi.
The world-renowned artist and humanitarian’s work was unveiled at an exhibition held at the hotel on September 2. Group COO for Hospitality and Tourism at RDC Property Group, Neil Bald, said their group had cultivated their commitment to supporting art communities for decades.
Bald said the group displayed art in many of its buildings and the Radisson Red, which was opened a year ago, was an illustration of such commitment. “So now, we are proud to announce that we have managed to scoop the world-famous [honorary] Professor Zanele Muholi,” said Bald.
The curator at the hotel Carly de Jong said this past year it had been inspiring to see the city and community embrace the hotel and the bold Radisson brand.
“We’re proud to be a place where locals and visitors can work, play and stay. It’s been exciting to begin realising this vision. Those of you that have been here before know that art is a key aspect of our brand and DNA. We’re grateful to open our doors with such striking colourful pieces and with that said, we look forward to having this incredible work with Prof Muholi displayed on our walls for the coming year,” said De Jong.
Muholi said, “Speaking as a member of the LGBTQI community, spaces like these are rare for us. We have a lot of LGBTQI artists who are under-resourced, so I have made it my duty to ensure that I share the little resources I have with others.
“We need to archive and document our lives so that people will understand who we are. We can’t be blaming the government for what’s not done. There is a lot to be done in the art space including directing, editing, and writing so let’s collaborate efforts.”
Muholi took attendees on a walkabout of her artwork including pieces named Zinathi, Ntozakhe II and Somnyama Ngonyama, and explained the inspiration behind it.