Iziko South African National Gallery's Centennial Survey 1910-2010: From Pierneef to Gugulective

Riason Naidoo, the first Black director of Iziko South African National Gallery, curated the exhibition '1910-2010: From Pierneef to Gugulective' from April 16 to October 3, 2010. The show featured over 700 works by numerous artists, displayed in a crowded, energetic installation across the entire gallery. It juxtaposed historical Afrikaner painter Hendrik Pierneef with contemporary collective Gugulective, founded in 2006 in Gugulethu township. Notable works included Mary Sibande's 'In Conversation with Madam CJ Walker' (2008), Steven Cohen's video 'Chandelier' (2001), Deborah Bell's 'Lover’s in the Cinema' (1985), Ronald Harrison's banned 'Black Christ' (1962), Willie Bester's '1913 Land Act' (1995), and Jane Alexander's 'The Butcher Boys' (1985). The exhibition aimed to reflect South African art stories during the World Cup, emphasizing neglected histories and attracting wider public engagement. Naidoo faced criticism from some local critics but was defended by others for the show's vitality. Artists like William Kentridge and Marlene Dumas were included without special treatment. The exhibition drew from the gallery's own collection, curated collaboratively by all five museum curators. Lionel Davis, a Cape Town artist and former Robben Island prisoner, praised the show for its homely, packed presentation. Naidoo's goal was to open the gallery beyond borders, particularly to the African continent, and rediscover forgotten artists like 1950s photographer Ranjith Kally.