Tony Gum
Tony Gum is a highly acclaimed and award-winning artist known for her grace, depth of expression, and self-reflective truth in her artistry. Her work transcends the confines of a singular narrative, allowing her to create a profound impact through various artistic modalities. Gum's artistry seamlessly blends her entire being, with her body, mind, and soul serving as canvases for her expression. In essence, Tony Gum is art, and art is Tony.
Gum's distinctive style and youthful effervescence have garnered global interest in African artists. Her dynamic storytelling ability breaks down barriers of class, culture, race, and gender, making her work accessible to a wide audience. She skilfully combines digital film, graphic design, painting, and still life composition, creating a multidimensional experience that brings to life the poignant and subtle realities of our shared human experience. Drawing inspiration from her South African Xhosa heritage, Gum's art captures life stories in unexpected and refreshing ways.
As a creative director on set, Gum takes on the role of shaping and directing the visual narrative of her work. Her innate wisdom, discipline, and rigor shine through in her bold, iterative, and fluid artistic creations that extend beyond the traditional confines of gallery walls. Gum's artistic vision is not limited to static images but encompasses a dynamic and immersive experience that invites viewers to engage with her art on a deeper level.
Tony Gum's artistry represents a fusion of tradition and innovation, combining her cultural heritage with contemporary artistic techniques. Her work challenges societal norms, celebrates diversity, and promotes inclusivity. Through her art, Gum seeks to spark conversations, provoke thought, and inspire change. Her unique perspective and artistic prowess have established her as a leading figure in the global art scene, and her contributions continue to shape and redefine the boundaries of contemporary art.
Country • South Africa
Medium • Photography
FIRST EXHIBITION WITH CHRISTOPHER MOLLER GALLERY • 2017
Explore her Work
Previous exhibitions by Tony Gum
2024
Mother Tongues, a group show. 24 February - 27 April. Southern Guild, Los Angeles, U.S.A.
2023
INVESTEC CAPE TOWN ART FAIR, Christopher Moller Gallery, Cape Town. Solo installation.
2022
Tony Gum, Milked In Africa Museum Show. Fotografiska New York. U.S.A
2020
The Fourth Gallery, Cape Town, ‘The Spectacle’ – group exhibition 2020
2019
Photo London Fair, ‘Kat’emnyama’ – solo exhibition 2019 Christopher Moller Gallery, Cape Town, ‘A Portion’ – solo exhibition 2019
2018
C-Gallery, Milan, ‘Rock Cause Analysis’ – solo exhibition 2018
2017
CAPE TOWN ART FAIR– solo and group exhibition. Johannesburg Art Fair – solo and group exhibition ‘Ode To She’ , Christopher Moller Gallery, Cape Town – solo exhibition Pulse Miami and New York Contemporary Art Fair – solo and group exhibition
2016
CAPE TOWN ART FAIR– solo and group exhibition. Johannesburg Art Fair – solo and group exhibition Pulse Miami and New York Contemporary Art Fair – solo and group exhibition
2015
Johannesburg Art Fair – solo and group exhibition
Achievements
Art and Film:
Pulse Art Fair Grant Jury Award for best solo exhibition - Art Basel Miami 2017
Perez Art Museum Miami Top 20 (PAMM) Picks – Art Basel Miami 2016
Graduate from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2017
Thought leadership:
Panelist at the ‘’21st Century Feminism and the Arts’’ panel, at the African Art in Venice Forum – Venice Biennale 2017.
Keynote speaker at the Wired Japan Conference (WRD IDNTTY – Why Diversity Matters) in Tokyo – 2017
• Design Indaba Speaker – 2016
Special projects:
• Styling Director for the Converse #Foreverchuck global campaign (southern hemisphere) – 2017
• Canal Walk Mall’s “My Story, My Style’’ campaign ambassador 2017/18
• Turkish Airlines ‘’Look To Africa’’ TVC with Didier Drogba – 2017
• Destiny Magazine June Cover – 2016
• L'OFFICIEL x Audemars Piguet present : Tony Gum – 2019
• NET- A-PORTER's FW20 campaign feat. Tony Gum 2020