When South Africa’s SMAC gallery welcomed sculptor Barend De Wet to its roster, his career changed. It happened in 2009, two years after Baylon Sandrik founded the gallery in the picturesque wine country of Stellenbosch. Initially, the Cape Town-born gallerist envisioned SMAC—originally known as Stellenbosch Modern and Contemporary—as a space for historically underserved South African artists. That changed when Sandri met De Wet. “De Wet was definitely one of South Africa’s most avant-garde artists, and this led to a change in the gallery’s approach,” Sandri told Artsy. Since then, SMAC has focused on celebrating contemporary artists from southern Africa.
In the 15 years since that turning point, SMAC has become a cornerstone of South Africa’s contemporary art scene. In 2011, SMAC expanded its reach to Cape Town, opening a space in the city center before moving to the Woodstock gallery district. Shortly thereafter, in 2016, the gallery launched a branch in Johannesburg.
Exterior view of the SMAC gallery in Cape Town. Courtesy of SMAC Gallery.
With a focus on emerging talent, SMAC has helped propel the careers of young and up-and-coming artists such as Simphiwe Buthelezi and Wallen Mapondera, since the latter was featured in The Artsy Vanguard 2021. And since he participated in his first art fair in 2013. , Basel’s VOLTA9, SMAC has become a force on the international stage, having participated in more than 10 major international art fairs last year, as well as Buthelezi’s impressive solo presentation at Paris+ par Art Basel 2023.
In November 2023, when the gallery returned home to the city center of Cape Town, it opened a new flagship gallery with an extensive group exhibition called ‘Back In Town’. This move, along with the launch of SMAC + Projects—a project space for more intimate and experimental exhibitions located five minutes from the flagship gallery—marked, in Sandri’s words, a “critical refocusing.”
After 17 years of supporting Southern African artists, SMAC is increasing its focus on Cape Town, which has become an increasingly influential center in the international art world. Since the gallery moved to the city 13 years ago, Cape Town has welcomed a number of important art organizations and events, including the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Africa Art and the Norval Foundation, and a dynamic local cohort. galleries with a wider international reach, such as 99 Loop Gallery and THK Gallery.
With its newly strengthened presence in the city, SMAC is ready to elevate its artists in the center of this pit.
“These new locations allow us to expand our footprint within the City Center, an area full of opportunities,” said Sandri. “We are now part of a growing commercial gallery ecosystem and a bustling commercial and cultural hub.”
Sandri is very excited about the next two years in new locations in Cape Town, which will host solo exhibitions by the artists represented. First, there was “Her Fine Blades” by the South African painter Kate Gottgens, on display until April 6. The painter first exhibited with SMAC in Cape Town in 2013 and is now one of the gallery’s most established artists, an example of an artist whose career grew alongside SMAC.
On the other hand, SMAC + Projects is a continuation of the gallery’s commitment to emergent and experimental art. The space plans to host an artist residency and will welcome international artists to create dialogue between Cape Town and other art communities.
In addition to its focus on emerging artists, SMAC’s program emphasizes materiality, abstraction, a strong representation of women artists (including Michaela Younge, Mary Sibande and Marlene Steyn) and experimental practices—such as South African artists. Ledelle Moe is known for her enormous concrete and steel sculptures that test the boundaries of conventional commercial gallery spaces.
“SMAC prides itself on its individuality and not adhering to trends and short-term changes in the art market,” explains Sandri. “Also, the gallery puts artistic production above any other agenda and wants to work with artists who do unique and quality work, rather than entering a specific discourse. The venue respects freedom of speech and expression and encourages artists to push beyond what is currently à la mode.”
Above all, the gallery is committed to building recognition for Southern African artists. “Our main interest is to partner with artists who can grow together with the gallery in a sustainable way,” said Sandri. This vision has positioned SMAC as a breeding ground for artists at different stages of their careers.
By doubling its presence in Cape Town, SMAC reaffirms its commitment to the vibrancy of Southern African art, placing itself at the center of a global crossroads where its artists, deeply rooted in the local art scene, are primed for international exposure.
