‘Once When We Were Free’ is a collaborative group exhibition hosted by Erdmann Contemporary & Studio d’Arte Raffaelli.
Heidi Erdmann and Giordano Raffaelli met in Cape Town in 1997; a collection of photographs taken by Bobby Bobson brought them in contact. They decided to cooperate and developed a program of exhibition exchanges between South Africa and Italy.
This synergy lead to numerous projects including solo, group and museum exhibitions in both countries, it launched the international career of Conrad Botes and Bobby Bobson and facilitated the continuation of international exposure for Willie Bester.
Innovative exhibition catalogues
The program created an opportunity for South African artists to participate in international art fairs long before the arrival of art fairs in South Africa, and saw the publication of numerous and innovative exhibition catalogues.
Erdmann founded her gallery in 2001 with a special focus on contemporary photography working with visionary and historically significant artists. Her inventory also includes a small and very select group of artists who work across disciplines by means of introducing new and challenging forms of creative expression.
Studio d’Arte Raffaelli
Raffaelli founded Studio d’Arte Raffaelli in Trento, Italy in 1984. By the early 1990’s he developed an interest in contemporary art from Africa and became the first Italian gallery to host a regular program of exhibitions featuring diverse works drawn from across the continent. He was instrumental in the planning of the groundbreaking exhibition Passport to South Africa hosted at the Museo Trevi in 2002, which lead to an invitation to Dakar Biennial later that same year.
Raffaelli curated the International Art Biennale in Rocca di Castagnoli in Italy in 2007. His gallery’s exhibition program regularly includes the names of the most important international artists of past 30 years.
Once When We Were Free includes works by Conrad Botes, Bobby Bobson, Willie Bester and Manfred Zylla. The title is a humorous reference to a time when two gallerists conducted their international business solely by means of land line telephones and their respective postal services. “We used to send one another images of work via post, and at least once a year, meet in person, either in Italy or in South Africa. The digital age has definitely revolutionized our industry, it is certainly much easier now than then. And yes, we do communicate via email frequently nowadays, but our preferred contact still remains a personal visit, and if not, then at least a phone-call.”
What: Once When We Were Free
Where: Erdmann Contemporary, 84 Kloof Street, Gardens, Cape Town
When: The exhibition remains on view until 21 April, 2018
Contact: Heidi Erdmann 021 422 2762
Opening Hours: Tues – Fri, 10am to 5pm
Web: www.erdmanncontemporary.co.za
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