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GOODMAN GALLERY
Linda Givon
Linda Givon
Established in 1966 by Linda Givon, Goodman Galery has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most influential and historically pertinent galleries. Representing a broad spectrum of established and emerging artists, Goodman is recognised for its role in supporting artists who are significantly engaged with the socio-political issues of their time. Driven by a commitment to inclusivity and artists who create works that aspire to a different future, the gallery was amongst the first in South Africa where black artists could show their work and became a platform on which much of the political protest art that circulated South African art in the late 20th century, could be exhibited.
However, it is important to note that a small number of galleries in Johannesburg were already exhibiting the work of black artists when Givon opened the Goodman Gallery in the mid-1960s. An important example was Egon Guenther, who opened his gallery in 1957 and represented artists such as Sydney Kumalo and Ezrom Legae, both of whom later joined Goodman’s impressive stable after Guenther closed his space. Nonetheless, Grosvenor-trained Givon returned from London in 1966 to open her formidable gallery with the express intent of representing artists “who were confrontational and who were addressing socially important issues.”
Taken over by Liza Essers in 2008, Goodman has retained these fundamental principles while simultaneously taking on a more international trajectory. The gallery remains dedicated to showcasing work that speaks to social change, however, Essers has extended its reach to represent a large roster of artists from across the Global South, all of whom share in a commitment to exploring colonial histories and social injustices. This powerful curatorial programme often sees Goodman strongly weighing in with art historical references and exhibitions, underscoring the poignancy of their artists in the history of art and visual culture that came before them and thus informs their work.
The gallery’s longstanding relationships with prominent artists such as William Kentridge, David Goldblatt (1930–2018), and Sam Nhlengethwa, as well as its more recent representation of El Anatsui and Yinka Shonibare, highlight its dedication to this mission. Goodman Gallery, founded in Johannesburg, was one of the pioneering galleries to open in Cape Town in the early 2000s, profoundly influencing the city's art landscape. With additional outposts in London and New York and strong connections to leading global art institutions, Goodman Gallery is a formidable presence in the South African art scene.
Founder: Linda Givon
Managing Director: Liza Essers
ADDRESS
37A Somerset Rd,
Green Point,
Cape Town
8051
RECENT ART FAIRS
Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2025
Art SG 2025, Singapore
Art Basel Miami Beach 2024
Art Basel Paris 2024
Frieze London 2024
FNB Art Joburg 2024
Frieze Seoul 2023
Frieze New York 2023
ARTISTS
ruby onyinyechi amanze· Ghada Amer · El Anatsui · Yto Barrada · Wang Bing · Candice Breitz · Lisa Brice · Kudzanai Chiurai · Nolon Oswald Dennis · Jabulani Dhlamini · Leonardo Drew · Carlos Garicoa · Pélagie Gbaguidi · Kendell Geers · Reza Farkhondeh & Ghada Amer · David Goldblatt · Gabrielle Goliath · Dor Guez · Nicholas Hlobo · Robert Hodgins · Alfredo Jaar · Remy Jungerman · William Kentridge · Kiluanji Kia Henda · Frada Kilomba · Kapwani Kiwanga · David Koloane · Atta Kwami· Lauren Lima ·Mateo López ·Paul Maheke· Misheck Masamvu · Cassi Namoda · Shirin Neshat · Chemu Ng’ok · Sam Nhlengethwa · Waler Oltmann · Ravelle Pillay · Tabita Rezaire · rosenclaire · Zineb Sedira · Thabiso Sekgala · Yinka Shonibare CBE RA · Lindokuhle Sobekwa · Michael Subotzky · Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum · Hank Willis Thomas · Naama Tsabar · Clive van den Berg · Jeremy Wafer · Sue Williamson
Images courtesy of the Goodman Gallery