Mall of African Art: South Africa hosts exhibition for continent's top artists

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An exhibition is being held in South Africa, featuring works from some of the best artists on the continent. CGTN's Yolisa Njamela has more.

The vibrant beauty of different art from the African continent is being showcased here. Bold, unique and some simply astounding.

YOLISA NJAMELA MIDRAND, SOUTH AFRICA "This is the world of art from young upcoming and well-established artists. At the Mall of Africa's Art Collective, you'll find paintings and sculptures on a variety of subjects."

They're all attentively curated by Julie Miller.

JULIE MILLER ART GALLERY OWNER "This is about giving artists an opportunity to show their works in a public space and for the public to engage with the works, because a lot of people think that art is just for rich people."

Over three hundred pieces are on display here under the roof of the Mall of Africa. The Art Collective is the largest series of public artworks in South Africa. Miller says the choice of a mall to display this variety of artwork was quite deliberate. It allows an entirely new audience to be exposed to African Art.

JULIE MILLER ART GALLERY OWNER "Galleries tend to be quite scary places for people to come into. So here we are bringing the art out to the people. Also for the mall of Africa, they want to create a lifestyle experience for the customers."

The chosen artists are grateful for the opportunity.

ZANA MASOMBUKA ARTIST "For me the opportunity in this platform is being able to tell our stories. It's for us to be able to pioneer the narrative that has been written about us as Africans so that is the whole premise behind every project that I do."

MBONGENI FAKUDZE ARTIST "In general, artists find themselves in a space of isolation. So this is like a platform, a showcase (where) everyone is close to the work and they get easily exposed to what you're doing."

This exhibition will be on display until the eighth of July. Yolisa Njamela, CGTN, Midrand, South Africa.