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TThe gallery at the intersection of Jellicoe and Jan Smuts Avenue in Rosebank, Johannesburg – across Keyes Avenue from the well-known, long-established Everard Read Gallery – has quickly gained the status of a modern landmark in the middle of one of South Africa’s main art precincts.
Designed by architect Pierre Swanepoel of studioMAS for Everard Read Gallery owner Mark Read, Circa on Jellicoe is aptly described on its own website as ‘relatively small in size’, but ‘lofty and ambitious in its intentions’. When the gallery opened in 2009, Read said the project was born out of a love for Johannesburg.
Circa has plenty to offer contemporary art lovers in Jo’burg, whether residents or visitors; fashion designer David Tlale used it to debut some of his creations just after the gallery opened in 2009, and leading South African artist William Kentridge has exhibited at the gallery – it’s a popular venue in the art and fashion world. Circa on Jellicoe is also home to SPEKE Photographic and regularly features exciting emerging artists in its temporary exhibitions, along with their more established counterparts.
The modern interior of the gallery can accommodate contemporary art forms such as video installations, photographic exhibitions and collections of large-scale sculptures, and can also showcase music, film and natural-history exhibits, or host lectures and talks. The Darwin Room and Deck are perfect for meetings, functions and private dining overlooking the hustle and bustle of Rosebank. The area between Circa and the Everard Read Gallery is a public space where larger art works are exhibited.
While this remarkable building can be enjoyed by passers-by, it also spikes curiosity about what’s inside. The most eye-catching aspect of the building is the hundreds of coloured aluminium fins – resembling reeds – that partially screen the building. These, combined with the sunlight and the artificial lighting of the gallery, give the building an ever-changing character. Solar panels, rainwater tanks and solar heaters also ensure that this modern Johannesburg landmark is almost entirely self-sufficient.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Circa on Jellicoe / Everard Read Gallery
Tel: +27 (0)11 788 4805
Email: info@circagallery.co.za
Best time to visit
Circa on Jellicoe is open from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday. Note that the gallery is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Around the area
There is a large concentration of art galleries – known as the Art Strip – situated along the north-south concourse of Jan Smuts Avenue. They benefit from a mix of co-operation and competition and represent a diverse cross-section of South Africa's art industry.
What will it cost
Entrance to the gallery is free.
What's happening
There is an annual events calendar on Circa on Jellicoe’s website.
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