Discovering Johannesburg's Art scene: 6 must-visit galleries in February


By Lindelwa Masuku

Joburg is one of the most vibrant cities in the country and is a hub for the arts. The beginning of the year is an extremely exciting time in the city, as many art galleries are showcasing new and innovative works by both established and up-and-coming artists. 

Here are 6 of the most popular art galleries to visit this month:

Goodman Gallery

This iconic gallery is known for its contemporary exhibitions and is a must-visit for  anyone interested in modern art. This month, the gallery will feature the work of Cuban artist Carlos Garaicoa, GOQA, the exhibition explores “contemporary Johannesburg alongside a series of historical works that consider varying contexts within the Global South with a focus on Cuba, Angola, and South Africa”.


Keyes Art Mile

Showcasing the best in contemporary and modern art. The area is a hub for artists, collectors, and art lovers, offering a diverse range of exhibitions, workshops, and events, as well as opportunities for art education and engagement. 

Keyes Art Mile has become an iconic destination for both locals and visitors, providing a platform for the celebration and promotion of South  African art and culture.

A current exhibition showcases work by Oratile Papi Konopi - O Tshwana Le ênê.
Oratile says;

"Ênê, the Setswana genderless pronoun referring to “him” or “her”. Is an artistic body of work which I initially developed as a way to begin to explore what I understood as a “matrix of masculinities”, I wanted to understand what constructed the ideas of the masculine."

"I struggled, I was nearly lost in the endless entanglements, ambiguities, contradictions, and multiple potentialities of ideas around gender and sexuality."


Wits Art Museum

This museum is part of the University of the Witwatersrand and is dedicated to promoting the arts in South Africa. 

The current exhibition is WAMkelekile which translates to “you are welcome” in IsiXhosa. This exhibition showcases some of the works that WAM collected over the past three years during the pandemic. These are contemporary and historical works from Africa.


Gallery 2

Contemporary art space located in Johannesburg, South Africa. This space showcases the works of both emerging and established artists, and is dedicated to promoting contemporary art and culture in South Africa. Visitors can expect to see a range of styles and mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. 

The gallery provides a platform for artists to express their creativity and engage with the community. Gallery 2 is also a hub for cultural events, exhibitions, and educational programs. With its cutting-edge exhibitions and commitment to fostering the arts, Gallery 2 is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art in Johannesburg.

This month, until March 11th, the gallery hosted a solo exhibition of works by Bevan De Wet who is known for his work that seeks to embrace change and create systems of order in a world that is so complex and chaotic.


Denzil’s & Jo

Denzil's & Jo Art Gallery in Melville, Johannesburg is a contemporary art gallery that showcases the works of talented artists from across South Africa. With a focus on contemporary art, the gallery features a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, mixed media, and photography from both emerging and established artists. 

The gallery is dedicated to promoting the vibrant cultural heritage of Johannesburg and is a must-visit for art lovers and collectors alike. Whether you're looking for an investment piece or just want to admire beautiful works of art, you'll find something to suit your tastes at Denzil's & Jo Art Gallery.

Currently, the gallery features its 2nd Annual Young Artist Exhibition, a group exhibition by Lesedi Ramashu, Jason Langa, Nokwanda Buthelezi, and more.

Honouring the Youth of 1976 while confronting the struggles of modern society and embracing the future.


Arts on Main

This complex is located in the heart of Johannesburg's Maboneng Precinct and is a hub for the arts in the city. The art space features the David Kurt Workshop (DKW), Bookstore, and Gallery. With the gallery only open on Sundays, this is also a must-visit.



Johannesburg is a city that is truly rich in artistic talent and there is no better time to explore its art scene than in the beginning of the year when galleries are in full steam. 

Whether you're a seasoned art collector or just looking to see something new, these seven popular art galleries are sure to provide an enriching experience.

Article Tags

Goodman Gallery

Keyes Art Mile

Wits Art Museum

Gallery 2

Denzil’s & Jo

Arts on Main

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