Cape Town Art Scene Takes on LA

Cape Town Art Scene Takes on LA. So, we’ve all heard about the big-shot galleries making their mark in Los Angeles post-pandemic, like David Zwirner and Perrotin. But guess what? There’s more to the story. Smaller international players are also making moves in the City of Angels, including Cape Town’s very own Southern Guild. And let me tell you, they’re bringing a fresh vibe to the LA art scene.

Southern Guild Makes Its Mark

Based out of Cape Town, Southern Guild is stepping onto the LA scene with style. They’re one of the few galleries founded in Africa to set up shop in the good ol’ US of A. And where exactly did they land? Melrose Hill, also known as East Hollywood to the locals. It’s a hotspot for real estate, and now, it’s about to become a hotspot for art too.

A New Space, A Fresh Start

Southern Guild isn’t messing around. They’ve taken over a massive 5,000-square-foot former laundromat to make their mark. And they’re kicking things off with a bang, with not one but two exhibitions. First up, we’ve got a solo show featuring the talented Zizipho Powsa, whose recent residency in Long Beach played a big part in Southern Guild’s decision to expand to LA. Then, there’s “Mother Tongues,” a group exhibition showcasing 26 artists, including big names like Zanele Muholi and Andile Dyalvane.

Getting the Scoop from Southern Guild’s CEO

ARTnews caught up with Trevyn McGowan, the brains behind Southern Guild, to get the lowdown on their LA expansion. Here’s what she had to say:

How Did Southern Guild End Up in LA?

According to Trevyn, it all started with a vision. They arrived in LA in January 2023, with one thing on their minds: opening up shop in America, and doing it pronto. They stumbled upon their space thanks to some close friends, the Haas Brothers, and were blown away by the sense of community in Melrose Hill.

A Love Affair with LA

Despite not being a frequent visitor to LA, Trevyn’s got a soft spot for the city. Sure, she’d only been twice before, but there was something about LA’s hills and its ’60s art scene that drew her in. Plus, after spending time in other big cities like Miami and New York, LA just felt like the right fit for Southern Guild’s vibe.

Why LA and Not New York?

While New York might be the art capital of the world, LA offered something different. Trevyn and the team felt like they could forge deeper connections with the community in LA, something that might’ve been harder to achieve in the bustling streets of New York. Plus, the laid-back vibe of LA just felt right for Southern Guild’s approach.

And there you have it, folks. Southern Guild is ready to shake things up in the LA art scene, one masterpiece at a time. Keep your eyes peeled for what they’ve got in store next!