In South Africa, with its highly contested and changing understandings of national identity, its National Gallery is no less a contested space. A History of the Iziko South African National Gallery considers questions of artistic and cultural identity, from the late 19th century to the present day. It explores how the gallery has understood its function and its public, as a ‘national’ gallery from 1930 and, before that, the chief gallery of the Cape Colony. This question is investigated through a study of the gallery’s administration, collection and exhibition practices over the last 150 years. What is understood by and expected of a national gallery varies considerably worldwide. Should it regard itself as part of a broad international cultural discourse, or should it be representative of a specifically national – or even regional – identity? The gallery is a microcosm of the greater debate: how the South African nation relates to the larger world and how, if at all, it understands the concept of a shared culture. In the last 20 years, Museum Studies have become a major part of the field of Cultural Studies. There is a vast literature on what might be called the ‘history’ museum, but far less on the art museum or gallery. To date, there has been no large-scale historical inquiry into the Iziko SANG, the country’s national gallery. The absence of such a history marks a serious gap in the literature, which this study aims to fill.

A fitting way of reflecting on the changes of the last decade and assessing the extent to which transformation has had an impact on South Africa

This book explores how since colonial times South Africa has created its own vernacular classicism, both in creative media and everyday life.

This publication looks at how change takes place in museums. Built around a series of case studies outlining the way ethnographic museums, historic sites and art galleries come to terms with issues of diversity and change, it is devoted to exploring diversity and promoting intercultural dialogue in museum practice.--Publisher's description.

Picasso and Africa illustrates how African art as well as African culture influenced Picasso in his art.

How have ancient Greece and Rome intersected with South African histories? This book canvasses architecture, literature, visual arts and historical memory. Some of the most telling manifestations of classical reception in South Africa have been indirect, for example neo-classical architecture or retellings of mythical stories. Far from being the mere handmaiden of colonialism (and later apartheid), classical antiquity has enabled challenges to the South African establishment, and provided a template for making sense of cross-cultural encounters. Though access to classical education has been limited, many South Africans, black and white, have used classical frames of reference and drawn inspiration from the ancient Greeks and Romans. While classical antiquity may seem antithetical to post-apartheid notions of heritage, it deserves to be seen in this light. Museums, historical sites and artworks, up to the present day, reveal juxtapositions in which classical themes are integrated into South African pasts.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: South Africa will lead you straight to the best attractions South Africa has to offer. Packed with information, detailed maps, beautiful cutaways, and floor plans of all major sites, this guide explores every facet of the "Rainbow Nation." This edition also introduces a new 56-page field guide to South Africa's wildlife and the safari experience, with detailed information on safaris, wildlife reserves, and local species. From Zulu culture to majestic lions, DK Eyewitness Travel: South Africa is packed with essential information, whatever your budget. This fully updated and expanded South Africa guide provides comprehensive guidance on the best things to do in South Africa, from exploring the Palace of the Lost City and Kruger National Park to experiencing the multifaceted culture of a country with 11 official languages! The DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: South Africa provides all the insider tips every visitor to South Africa needs, with dozens of reviews for South African hotels, recommendations for South African restaurants, tips for shopping and all the best places for entertainment. Don't miss a thing on your vacation with the DK Eyewitness Guide to South Africa.

Now available in PDF format. DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: South Africa will lead you straight to the best attractions South Africa has to offer. Packed with information, detailed maps, beautiful cutaways, and floor plans of all major sites, this guide explores every facet of the "Rainbow Nation." This edition also introduces a new 56-page field guide to South Africa's wildlife and the safari experience, with detailed information on safaris, wildlife preserves, and local species. From Zulu culture to majestic lions, DK Eyewitness Travel: South Africa is packed with essential information, whatever your budget. This fully updated and expanded South Africa guide provides comprehensive guidance on the best things to do in South Africa, from exploring the Palace of the Lost City and Kruger National Park to experiencing the multifaceted culture of a country with 11 official languages! The DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: South Africa provides all the insider tips every visitor to South Africa needs, with dozens of reviews for South African hotels, recommendations for South African restaurants, tips for shopping, and all the best places for entertainment. Don't miss a thing on your vacation with the DK Eyewitness Guide to South Africa.