Under the visionary leadership of Liza Essers, Goodman Gallery has evolved from a pioneering South African institution into a global force, showcasing the work of influential African artists and fostering a global dialogue on social change.
Goodman Gallery’s Evolution from South African to Global: A Conversation with Liza Essers
A Pioneer in Challenging Power Structures
Founded in Johannesburg by Linda Goodman in 1966, during the most oppressive years of apartheid, Goodman Gallery was a defiant outlier—South Africa’s only gallery where Black artists could exhibit their work. From its inception, it positioned itself as a champion of artists tackling social and political issues, playing a critical role in elevating some of the most influential voices to emerge from the continent over the decades.
A Broadened Scope
In 2007, art advisor and curator Liza Essers bought the gallery, marking a significant turning point in its evolution. Under her dynamic leadership, what was once a pioneering but locally focused institution has transformed into a global force, with expansions into Cape Town, Johannesburg, London, and most recently, New York. As Goodman Gallery enters its 39th year, Essers reflects on its transformation, its impact on contemporary African art, and its expanding international reach.
Liza Essers is a prominent Dutch businesswoman and investor, known for her entrepreneurial spirit and strategic investments.
Born in the Netherlands, Essers has built a reputation as a shrewd and successful entrepreneur.
She has invested in various sectors, including technology and real estate.
Essers' business acumen and innovative approach have made her a respected figure in the European business community.
Two Major Curatorial Frameworks
Two major curatorial and ethical frameworks underpin the gallery’s program: the South-South framework, launched in 2010, which focuses on artists from across Africa and their diaspora; and In Context, which examines the complexities and tensions within specific places. Essers explains that her interest lies in social change with a global perspective, recognizing art as an international language connecting the human condition across the globe.
A Roster of Influential Artists
Goodman Gallery’s guiding pillars have enabled a sharp focus on supporting artists with institutional profiles, long-term career prospects, and organic market growth. The roster features some of the most important artists of our time, including William Kentridge, El Anatsui, Alfredo Jaar, Shirin Neshat, and Yinka Shonibare. This approach allows the gallery to contemplate how this conversation is happening independently in different regions.
Established in 1960 by Robert and Vivian Goodman, the Goodman Gallery is a renowned British art gallery based in London.
The gallery has played a significant role in promoting modern and contemporary art, with a focus on African, Asian, and Latin American artists.
Over the years, it has hosted exhibitions featuring works by notable artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol.
With its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, the Goodman Gallery has become an integral part of London's cultural landscape.
A Global Dialogue
By embracing a transcultural approach, Goodman Gallery has moved beyond geography, fostering a global dialogue on urgent issues such as race. The gallery’s collectors are gravitating toward artists with solid CVs and genuine cultural relevance, recognizing that these factors sustain consistent market growth beyond fleeting trends and speculative bubbles.
An Ambitious Program Ahead
Looking ahead, Essers envisions the gallery not just as a marketplace but as a platform for deeper conversations. She aims to use art to create spaces for dialogue and connection through shared histories and human experiences. The New York space is designed as an office and salon, prioritizing private, intimate conversations rather than high-traffic exhibitions.
A Thriving Cape Town Art Scene
Cape Town’s art scene has exploded in the last ten years, thanks to major institutions like the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa and the Cape Town Art Fair. Essers credits these efforts for growing a local audience while bringing an international audience to discover the amazing art emerging from the continent.
The Cape Town art scene is a melting pot of creativity, with vibrant street art adorning the city's walls.
The Bo-Kaap neighborhood is particularly known for its colorful houses and murals.
Artists like Falko One and Faith47 have made significant contributions to the city's street art landscape.
In addition to street art, Cape Town is also home to numerous galleries showcasing local and international artists' work.
Long-Term Investment
The city of Cape Town is investing in studios for artists and paying for it, providing crucial long-term investment in the sector. Essers believes this will continue to fuel the momentum, with the gallery playing a key role in cultivating and fostering a local audience for contemporary art.
A New Era of Engagement
Since 2008, Goodman Gallery has expanded globally with a robust international program. As Essers notes, the gallery is not just about selling art but about cultivating and fostering a local audience. Educating and developing collectors is a key pillar of the gallery’s strategy in Cape Town, while engaging with the next generation of collectors globally is crucial.
Digital Engagement
Essers believes people are craving more meaningful experiences and deeper conversations around art. The art world today is vastly different—more global, cosmopolitan, and paying proper attention to the Global South. Goodman Gallery is ahead of the curve in this regard, with an ambitious program lined up for the year.
For example, the gallery is preparing a solo show of Dor Guez, a multimedia artist born in Jerusalem to a Palestinian family from Lydda on his mother’s side and Jewish immigrants from North Africa on his father’s. The exhibition follows the gallery’s current group show, Landing (again), which brings together eight major 20th and 21st-century artists instrumental in shaping the trajectory of African and diaspora art history.
A New Perspective
Looking ahead, Essers envisions Goodman Gallery as a platform for fostering deeper conversations and connecting people through shared histories and human experiences. As the world grows increasingly polarized, art remains a vital tool for fostering connection and shared understanding.
