Pauline Loeb speaks with Director Liza Essers, an institution founded in 1966 as one of the few platforms for Black artists during apartheid in South Africa. Essers has transformed Goodman Gallery into a globally recognized space, rooted in its history of challenging power structures and promoting social change. She discusses the gallery's expansion while staying true to its commitment to amplifying diverse voices, particularly from the Global South, to foster a more inclusive global art dialogue.
The conversation turns to the gallery’s approach to artist representation, with Essers highlighting the mix of emerging and established talent such as Shirin Neshat and El Anatsui. She explains that the gallery seeks artists who are not only talented but also deeply engaged in using their work to affect change. Essers shares insights into Goodman Gallery’s participation in major art fairs and its expansion to New York, positioning the gallery within the international art market. The interview concludes with a look at the gallery’s educational initiatives in South Africa, emphasizing its role as a space for public engagement and learning.
