Liza Essers took over as director and owner of the Goodman Gallery in 2008. Essers brought international artists like Alfredo Jaar, Ghada Amer, Liza Lou, Cildo Meireles, Ellen Gallagher and others to South Africa for the first time.
Founded in 1966, the Goodman Gallery is one of the most distinguished and long-standing international contemporary art galleries.
This gallery was instituted during the era of apartheid in South Africa and offered a non-discriminatory space to local artists.
CapeTalk/702’s Redi Tlhabi on Wednesday spoke to Liza Essers about the business of art, challenges she faced and the future of the gallery.
Listen to the full conversation on the Redi Tlhabi Show:
It was incredibly brave of Linda Goodman to start the gallery in the 60’s
— Liza Essers, director and owner of Goodman Gallery
I think art has throughout the years, played a very important role in transformation and in creating spaces where one can shift social consciousness
— Liza Essers, director and owner of Goodman Gallery
I had big shoes to fill but it’s been an incredibly exciting journey and it worked out positively for me.
— Liza Essers, director and owner of Goodman Gallery
When you are doing something that you are passionate about you can only succeed.
— Liza Essers, director and owner of Goodman Gallery