Sold! Goodman Gallery changes hands

by Michael Smith
In a momentous event long gossiped about within the SA art world, the Goodman Gallery has been bought from scene doyenne, Linda Givon by purchaser is Liza Essers. Essers is an art adviser, dealer and curator.

Givon established the Goodman Gallery 42 years ago, and since then has nurtured the top artistic talents of numerous generations of SA art. Her roster has included Lisa Brice, Kendell Geers, Robert Hodgins, William Kentridge, David Koloane, Sam Nhlengetwa, Tracey Rose and Penny Siopis, to name but a few. Givon's gallery has long been synonymous with strong shows, quality work and a high degree of professionalism. Givon expanded her brand in 2007, opening Goodman Gallery Cape in Wodstock, Cape Town. This gallery is currently managed by the curatorial team of Emma Bedford and Storm Janse van Rensburg.

Essers began a career in finance, but subsequently studied art in Florence and in 2003 moved over to a career as an independent art adviser. She lists several local and international private and corporate art collectors among her clients in this regard.

Essers has also curated numerous shows, such as 2003's 'Integrating Cultures' at Bell-Roberts in Cape Town, and 2007's 'Shift', which showed at the Gallery on Cork Street in London. She has even turned her hand to film, as a co-executive producer on the 2005 Gavin Hood-directed hit 'Tsotsi'.

Essers has traveled with Givon to Art 39 Basel in Switzerland, at which the Goodman Gallery is the only South African gallery to have representation. At this event, Givon is expected to introduce Essers to major directors, curators, gallerists, dealers and collectors. This will help to ensure what the gallery has called 'a smooth transition during this change in leadership'.