Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg

Goodman Gallery, established in Johannesburg in 1966 by Linda Givon (formerly Goodman), is an art gallery with locations in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and London. The gallery represents a diverse group of artists, both established and emerging, who have played a significant role in shaping the contemporary art scene in Southern Africa.

During its inception in the era of apartheid, Goodman Gallery debuted with an exhibition featuring 30 artists, predominantly notable European modernists such as Pablo Picasso, Alberto Giacometti, Paul Klee, Joan Miró, and Henry Moore. Despite the challenging political climate, the gallery staunchly upheld a commitment to non-discrimination, providing a safe haven for artists and the expression of their work.

Over time, Goodman Gallery has evolved into one of South Africa's premier contemporary art institutions. Its primary focus is on collaborating with influential artists from southern Africa, encompassing both established figures and up-and-coming talents, as well as artists from the broader African continent and international creators who engage with African themes. Prominent South African artists like David Koloane, David Goldblatt, Sue Williamson, and Sam Nhlengethwa have all showcased their work at the gallery.

In 2008, the gallery came under the ownership of Liza Essers. In 2016, Goodman Gallery earned recognition as one of the world's top 500 galleries by Modern Painters. Additionally, it made history by hosting the seventh international conference on African and African American art, known as Black Portraiture III: Reinventions, Strains of Histories and Culture, marking the first time such an event took place on the African continent.