The Visionary Curator: Jana Terblanche's Journey in the Art World

Poetic and political this ambitious yet principled art curator challenges the traditional and champions African voices

-  Luke Diva

JANA TERBLANCHE, AN INFLUENTIAL ART CURATOR AND CULTURAL WORKER, has carved out a significant space for herself in the international art scene. Based in South Africa, she serves as a Director at Southern Guild, an esteemed gallery with locations in Cape Town and Los Angeles. Her extensive career is marked by a dedication to promoting African art and addressing critical socio-political themes through her curatorial practice.

Terblanche holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from the University of Cape Town, an academic foundation that has undoubtedly contributed to her profound understanding and appreciation of art. Before her current role, she held several prominent positions in the art world. She was Head of Development at Southern Guild in Cape Town and served as Head Curator at SMITH Gallery, also in Cape Town. Her expertise extended further, to Lagos in Nigeria, where she worked as an Associate Curator at the African Artists' Foundation. Throughout her career she has also made a significant impact as an independent curator, overseeing an expansive art programme across Africa and further afield.

Terblanche's curatorial portfolio is impressive. She has curated presentations at renowned art fairs such as FNB Art Joburg, Investec Cape Town Art Fair, 1-54 London, and Art Rotterdam. Her ability to conceptualise and execute thought-provoking exhibitions has earned her a stellar reputation.

Her curatorial practice is deeply rooted in decolonial theory and intersectional feminism, and she uses her platform to challenge and expand the traditional narratives within the art world, creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated. Her approach is both poetic and political, making her exhibitions rich with meaning and impact.