Sanlam is opening the vaults to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its acclaimed art collection. From 1 June 2025 to 29 August 2025, two landmark exhibitions will be open to the public at the Sanlam Art Gallery in Bellville. The exhibitions chart the Sanlam Art Collection’s transformation from modest office decoration into one of the country’s most respected and comprehensive corporate art holdings.
The collection now comprises more than 2 000 works dating from 1874 to the present day valued at R210 million.
The two anniversary exhibitions at the Sanlam Art Gallery in Bellville are free to the public, with guided tours on request.
- Exhibition 1, Out of the Icebox: Showcasing 90 works acquired between 1965 and the present, this exhibition is a journey through the collection’s history. The title refers to the process of “defrosting” artworks that have been in storage or office displays for years, offering a rare opportunity to see forgotten gems and track the evolution of collecting tastes. It celebrates distinguished artists, providing a fascinating lesson in South African art history. The exhibition will include:
- Thomas Baines (1820 – 1874)
- Walter Battiss (1906 – 1982)
- Leonard Matsoso (1949 – 2010)
- Irma Stern (1894 – 1966)
- Maggie Laubser (1886 – 1973)
- Gerard Bhengu (1910 – 1990)
- Pieter Wenning (1873 – 1921)
- Gerard Sekoto (1914 – 1993)
- Hugo Naude (1868 – 1941)
- Alexis Preller (1911 – 1975)
- Blessing Ngobeni (1985 -)
- Nigel Mullins (1969 -)
- Frans Thoka (1997 -)
- Johann Louw (1965 -)
- Simon Moroke Lekgetho (1929 – 1985)
- Jean Welz (1900 – 1975)
- Franz Asha Zero (1976 -)
- David Koloane (1938 – 2019)
- Marthinus Lagrange (1920 – 1997)
- Nico Hagen (1938 – 2004)
- Wim Blom (1927 – 2021)
- Clifford Mpai (1937 -)
- Larry Scully (1922 – 2002)
- Douglas Portway (1922 – 1993)
- Winston Saoli (1950 – 1995)
- Exhibition 2, Manifesto: Running in parallel, this powerful exhibition reflects South Africa’s transition to democracy, featuring works that grapple with themes of human rights, protest, and the struggle against apartheid. Installed to commemorate Human Rights Day, Freedom Day, and Youth Day, the exhibition does not shy away from difficult truths, challenging perceptions of the past while casting a critical eye on the present state of society. With just 18 carefully selected works, it is a small but potent collection that demands engagement.
“This 60th anniversary is a pivotal moment. With ‘Out of the Icebox’, we are metaphorically opening the vaults and bringing decades of South African art history back into the public eye. Many of these are significant works by major artists that have been out of sight for years. It’s an opportunity not only to celebrate these hidden masterpieces but also to reflect on the journey of the collection itself – from a pioneering act of corporate support to the cultural treasure it is today,” Stefan Hundt, Curator: Sanlam Art Collection.
Realising a vision to support local artists
The Sanlam Art Collection was established in 1965 as a deliberate and strategic act of corporate citizenship. “It was about more than aesthetics; it was a move to support South African artists, especially in the years leading up to and beyond the 1968 cultural boycott, which increasingly isolated the nation,” explains Hundt.
Crucially, the group appointed an independent advisory committee to select the works. “This foundation of expert, independent curation, rather than executive taste, set a professional tone for the collection right from the start and is a key reason for its quality and significance today.”
Initially focused on more traditional fine art, the committee began to consciously address historical gaps, particularly the neglect of Black artists who were largely excluded from the mainstream art world.
Hundt says establishing a dedicated gallery space was a critical turning point, allowing for the exhibition of art that was too contentious or physically unsuited for a typical office environment.
“A gallery is a space for dialogue and reflection. Artists don’t produce work that fits neatly into a corporate frame; they engage with the issues of their time. Our galleries in Bellville and Sandton give us the freedom to showcase these more complex, thought-provoking pieces, creating a space for conversation and offering a more complete, and at times difficult, picture of our society,” he notes.
Preserving the country’s visual arts culture and heritage
Today, the collection is valued at over R210 million, a remarkable return on an initial capital investment of approximately R10 million. However, Hundt says its true value is cultural. “Like the patronage of the Medici in Renaissance Italy, this collection creates a lasting cultural footprint. It provides an indelible link between the brand and the rich, diverse story of South Africa.”
Hundt believes the ultimate takeaway for visitors is a profound appreciation for the quality and diversity of art produced in South Africa.
“I am constantly astounded by the incredible diversity and quality that this country has produced. We have often made ourselves small, thinking the best art traditions exist only in Europe or the United States. But the works produced here can stand their own in any museum in the world. This collection is a testament to that fact, and our 60th anniversary is a celebration of the artists who have captured our nation’s soul,” he concludes.
Entrance to the exhibition is free to the public. Guided tours are available and can be booked by contacting the curator, Stefan Hundt, via email at sanlamart@sanlam.co.za, by calling 021 947 3359 or on WhatsApp 083 457 2699.
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