Southern Guild
Cape Town, South Africa
Contemporary
Contemporary African
About the Gallery
Southern Guild, established in 2008 by Trevyn and Julian McGowan, is a pioneering gallery with locations in Cape Town and Los Angeles, dedicated to showcasing contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. The gallery's rigorous curatorial program has redefined perceptions of African design and art, fostering a unique vernacular that resonates globally. Southern Guild champions artists who explore themes of cultural preservation, spirituality, identity, ancestral knowledge, and ecology.
Operating with a philosophy rooted in community and collaboration, Southern Guild actively provokes new work and facilitates alliances across diverse disciplines. They are deeply invested in the growth of the African creative ecosystem, nurturing talent through educational projects, mentorship, and their GUILD Residency program. The gallery's commitment extends to meaningful partnerships with artists in artwork production and exhibition-making, propelling their careers and amplifying their voices on a global stage. Works by Southern Guild artists have been acquired by prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and LACMA, solidifying the gallery's role as a leading ambassador for African art.