Erdmann Contemporary announces an exhibition of photographic work by Grada Djeri. The exhibition is presented in association with Jovana Djeri, and all works are drawn from her personal collection.

Grada Djeri (1956 – 2014) studied painting at the Academy of Fine Art in Belgrade, but it would be in photography and music that he would leave his lasting mark.

In 1992 Djeri moved from Yugoslavia to South Africa and settled in Cape Town. In his Bohemian Venken Lane studio, just off Long Street, Djeri refined his technique to close the gap between painting and photography, disciplines that he both loved equally. He transformed the traditional photographic printing process into an opportunity to paint, and by doing so, brought his black-and-white portraits to the surface in remarkably painterly ways.

Djeri was the musical director of the Cape Town-based Kolo Novo Movie Band. Their eclectic sounds may have had deep Eastern European roots, but it also reflected Djeri’s great ambition to create a fusion between different cultures and musical styles. As with his art, Djeri found a way to merge his love for Balkan music with the sounds of southern Africa.

The gallery is honoured to have the participation of Jorge Sierra Rubia on this exhibition.

Rubia’s portraits of Djeri were made over the period of 7 years. They were often a spontaneous documentation of the sessions he and Djeri spent talking about art and life in general. These sporadic meet-ups mostly took place in Djeri’s studio.

These images are a humble tribute to a great man and artist – a treasured memory of the times we shared. They symbolise a brotherly embrace… a thank you and farewell gesture. 

– Jorge Rubia

Exhibition opening Tuesday 14 April 2015 from 6pm 

The opening reception will be followed by a short concert following the  by KOLO NOVO Movie Band, of which Djeri was a founding member and the musical director.

KOLO NOVO Movie Band will perform downstairs in the Blah Blah Bar.

Band members include: Kyla-Rose Smith | violin ; Sigrun Paschke | accordion ; Simon Annette | drums ; Brydon Bolton | bass ; Russ Nerwich | saxophone ; Zolani Mahola | vocals ; Sylvestre Kabassidi | vocals ; Vela Mrdjen | cello ; Simo Jovovic | bass

With an established international reputation, Erdmann Contemporary is committed to the development of successful and sustainable careers. To this end it has attracted the attention of both local and international collectors, museum directors and curators. The gallery’s exhibition schedule over the past fourteen years is testimony to its commitment of hosting relevant and content rich exhibitions by both local and selected international artists.

www.erdmanncontemporary.co.za