Collections a group exhibition at the gallery

"Collection,"opens on the 13 July at the gallery.

The group exhibition celebrates the power of gathering, where individual works converge to showcase a myriad of perspectives. From bold abstractions to delicate depictions, the artworks chosen present a kaleidoscope of themes and techniques.  

"Collection" invites you to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation, as artists redefine boundaries and challenge perceptions.

A less complicated sun by Sam Kentridge
Featured above Diagrams of the beginning by Balekane Legoabe (in association with 50ty 50ty Prints)

"Collection" invites you to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation, as artists redefine boundaries and challenge perceptions.

Join us on a journey through this curated ensemble.

 Featuring:

50ty 50ty Prints
Stephen Allwright
Nicole Clare Fraser
Olivié Keck
Sam Kentridge
Fiona Pole
Renée Rossouw
Anthony Scullion

FASHION TRIBES IN THE PRESS

The latest Wanted Magazine fashion feature looked at Fashion Tribes and included Rodney Mudzengerere, owner and founder of IFUKU and friend and denim aficianado, Thando Made. Have a look at the feature here.

ENCOUNTERS 2024

The Encounters South African International Documentary Festival is the country’s formative documentary event, screening contemporary South African and International features and short documentaries. Every year since its founding in 2010, The Bioscope has proudly hosted screenings of the festival and returns again with screenings from 21 June – 30 July. Tickets are R80 and you can find the full schedule here.

Worth a special mention is Black People Don’t Get Depressed, which is being screened on the 29th June along with a Q&A session. The film explores mental health issues among black creatives in communities on the African continent and in the diaspora, exploring myths, stigma and solutions through the personal stories of the characters.

Although there has been an improvement in awareness in recent years, as the title of this engaging documentary suggests, depression is often unacknowledged in black Southern African cultures and is instead written off as something that is ‘for white people’. But, as the film makes abundantly clear, the impact of mental health is a fundamentally human experience that transcends all boundaries, racial or otherwise.

The film is produced by Cati Weinek, well-known South African film maker and champion of talent and innovative storytelling. Cati’s family also owns our book store L’Elephant Terrible and is a much loved part of our 44 Stanley community.

Crystal Birch opens her first standalone store at 44 Stanley in April

We are thrilled to announce that the internationally celebrated hat-maker and female powerhouse, Crystal Birch, will be opening her first stand-alone store at 44 Stanley this April. This new store will provide both new and existing fans in Joburg with the opportunity to view the highly-anticipated new collection, A:Head.

“This collection is a love letter to all the incredible women in our lives,our mothers, sisters, friends - it’s about recognising their bravery, confidence and talent, and adorning them with the necessary armour to continue shaping our creative landscape.”

— Crystal Birch

Crystal has collaborated with leading local and international designers, including award-winning Thebe Magugu, MaXhosa Africa, and Viviers Studio. Her work has been featured on the covers of numerous international publications, and her brand is favoured by celebrities and changemakers alike, including Trevor Stuurman and Sthandiwe Kgoroge, both part of the 44 Stanley family.

The latest collection is crafted from premium materials, such as 100% wool felt, Meluzine hare felts, and wheat straw. Each hat in the collection is skilfully manufactured at The Hat Factory in Cape Town, upholding South Africa's rich tradition of hat making.

These hats symbolize empowerment and individuality, designed to inspire and uplift those who wear them. Crystal describes the collection as a 'love letter to all the women in our lives,' celebrating their bravery, confidence, and talent, and adorning them with the necessary armour to continue shaping our creative landscape.

Crystal Birch is the eponymous label of the Cape Town-based milliner, known for creating beautiful hats ranging from classic styles to fashion-forward headwear that perfectly frame the face, complete any outfit, and provide stylish sun protection.

The new store will open its doors on April 6, 2024, inviting all to explore the artistry and craftsmanship behind Crystal Birch's iconic designs

REKAOFELA, a pop-up by The Manor, Kasi Flavour10 and Blessing Rooi

We’ve been long-time fans of Trevor Stuurman and his work and are thrilled that his platform, The Manor, dedicated to showcasing Africa's most compelling narratives, has chosen 44 Stanley for their latest pop-up, REKAOFELA in collaboration with Kasi Flavour10 and Blessing Rooi.

REKAOFELA is a Sesotho saying which translates to “we are together.” The phrase shares the same values of ‘ubuntu’ — embodying the celebration of African identity, the artistic expression of the power of unity and shared passion, and South Africa's rich football culture.

REKAOFELA exists as a showcase of African expression and merges photography, art, and fashion to celebrate and honour South African heritage.

“REKAOFELA means ‘we are together,’ and this pop-up is a visual representation and a visceral experience of that,” says Trevor Stuurman, founder of The Manor. “It’s being able to see one another, collectively reinforcing each other’s values and efforts and coming together to achieve shared success.”

Image: Trevor Stuurman

The pop-up serves as the launch of The Manor’s latest offering: Reflecting B(l)ack, a special edition Pan-African photography publication that captures the essence and diversity of Africa. In addition to the publication, a collection of clothing by Kasi Flavour10 and artworks by Blessing Rooi will also be available for purchase.

Blessing Rooi is a young artist from Soweto whose paintings reflect a delicate balance between recollection and interpretation. His work is inspired by his upbringing — capturing moments of joy and intimacy and celebrating his loved ones. ”My series, Kasi Flavour, has a special place in my heart as they were some of the first paintings that I’ve done,” he says. “Documenting that showed me a way of honouring the people in my life, showing my respect to them and paying homage to where I come from.”

Kabelo Kungwane, creative director and founder of Kasi Flavour10, says of the collaboration “Our works intersect on so many levels,” he says. “My dad always told me that you need to think like a midfielder — to find solutions, have immaculate vision and be a team player. The analogy of making magic on the field translates to the work we do.” It seems like the perfect way to approach life and work.

REKAOFELA launches on Friday 8 March 2024 at 5pm to 8pm and Saturday 9 March from 12pm to 3pm.

The pop-up remains open until end March – be sure to visit.

The Bioscope upgrades

This January brings an exciting announcement for film enthusiasts at The Bioscope

It has upgraded and installed a state-of-the-art projector and sound system equivalent of those found in mainstream cinemas, which means it is set to become your ultimate cinema destination for the latest releases hitting the big screen.

For the past 13 years, The Bioscope has been unwavering in its commitment to crafting a unique and unparalleled movie-watching experience. It felt like a quintessential Joburg experience - sitting in the old car seats, a pizza in front of you and beer or glass of wine in hand.

While embracing this upgrade, The Bioscope remains steadfast in championing local releases whenever possible. And the cherished annual traditions (Rex Manning Day anyone?) and signature events featuring older cult classics will continue to grace the screen.

And as always, the cinema is still available for private functions, offering its unique ambiance for exclusive events. With this technological enhancement, The Bioscope is poised to broaden its film selection, curating the best of what the cinematic world has to offer and consistently delivering an exhilarating cinema experience to its loyal audience.

BED BATH BODY brings you the FESTIVE Range

The most wonderful time of the year just got even better. The much-awaited FESTIVE Range is back. Available at our 44 Stanley Concept Store and online. 

Woody, floral with a dash of citrus and good cheer. Inspired by candle-lit evenings, soft light, aroma bath crystals that smell like Christmas and all things FESTIVE.                                                  

Peony Season is here! Order Now with Petal & Post

Peony season has burst into bloom!

Join us every weekend starting this Friday for the next four weeks as we offer exquisite peony posies in-store. But be quick! These beauties are in high demand, and this season is a fleeting, once-a-year affair.

Pre-Order your posy for our big peony delivery days on November 9th and 16th – Order Here

Summer Ease

"A celebration of screenprints produced by 50ty/50ty in collaboration with local artists, illustrators and designers."   

The exhibition title has been taken from the screenprint of the same name by Alexia Vogel. Through a collection of meticulously crafted screenprints, we invite you to immerse yourself in a world of vivid colours, intricate patterns, and evocative imagery that encapsulates the joyous energy of the summer season. Join us as we embark on a visual journey, where every print unveils a story of warmth, nostalgia, and the timeless allure of summer's bliss.

50ty/50ty

Driven by a desire to see more affordable, high-quality, collectible artwork on the market, creators of Black River Studio, Wim and Jeanne Legrand, established 50ty/50ty: an online collection of limited-edition screenprints created in collaboration with local artists, illustrators, and designers. 

50ty/50ty allows local creatives to handprint high-quality fine art prints on archival paper. However, they maintain exclusivity through the limited editions of prints available: no more than 50 prints are produced. Wim utilizes his experience as a printmaker to work closely with each artist from initial concept through to final print, ensuring integrity of quality throughout the screen printing process.

The show will run until the end of January 2024