Judy Jordan
b.1950, Harare, Zimbabwe; lives in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Judy Jordan paints images of the land, often scarred by human activity such as mining, pollution, and wars. Conversely, she is inspired by the generative qualities of nature, as symbolic of life, nourishment, renewal, and transformation. Judy Jordan was the first curator of the Carnegie Museum, Newcastle, a position she held for many years. Jordan has also been active as an art teacher as well as in cultural tourism, craft development and job creation programmes in KZN.
Education
1997: Honours History of Art (cum laude)
1984: Bachelor of Fine Arts
Solo exhibitions
2015: Carnegie Art Gallery, Newcastle, South Africa.
1990: Karren McKerron Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa (opened by Dr Marion Arnold).
1985: Café Geneve, Durban, South Africa (opened by Andries Botha).
Group exhibitions
2010: Jabulisa 2010, The Art & Craft of KwaZulu-Natal, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
2009: Contemporary Reflections: New Art from Old, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
2006: Jabulisa 2006, Natal Arts Trust, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
1998: (With Brendon Bell), Bayside Gallery, Durban and Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg (opened by Andrew Verster).
1996: Jabulisa The Art of KwaZulu Natal, Natal Arts Trust, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
1995: Artists invite Artists Exhibition, Durban Art Gallery, South Africa.
1995: Women’s Image of Men, KZNSA Gallery, Durban.
1993: (With Janet Purcell), NSA Gallery, Durban (opened by Prof. Terry King).
1993: Momentum Life Exhibition, Pretoria Art Museum, South Africa.
1992: Flowers and Things Exhibition, NSA Gallery, Durban.
1992: Natal Route Exhibition, Lorna Ferguson Gallery, Johannesburg.
1991: Biennale 4, Natal Arts Trust.
1989: Natal Arts Trust Exhibition – Merit Award.
1988: Human Rights 40th Anniversary Exhibition, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
1988: (With Lola Frost), NSA Gallery, Durban (opened by Prof. Terry King).
1987: Natal Arts Trust Exhibition.
1987: Contemporary landscape Exhibition, NSA Gallery Durban; and Jack Heath Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
1986: Paper Exhibition, NSA Gallery, Durban.
Employment
1991-2015: First Curator of Carnegie Art Gallery, Newcastle, South Africa. Expanded the Municipal art collection from 20 to 380 pieces. Established various art museum policies and established a Board of Trustees. Fundraised for collection, workshops and outreach programmes. Motivated and raised funds for extensions to the existing Gallery. Funds utilized for architectural drawings of a new Art Gallery building. Co-ordinated and curated numerous temporary exhibitions and community events.
2000-2002: Craft mentorship programme with Embocraft.
1985-1991: Private Art School & taught Matric syllabus to St Dominics’ pupils.
1981-1985: Deloitte, Haskins & Sells, Accountant.
1975-1981: National Museums & Monuments Council – Secretary & Research Assistant.
1972-1975: Financial Assistant, UDC.
1969-1972: Working holiday in Europe.
Memberships
1986 – present: Board Member of Natal Arts Trust.
2000 – 2015: Member of Amajuba Tourism Forum.
1996 – 1999: Member of National Arts Council.
1986 – 1991: Member Arts Council.
1983 – 1987: Chairperson of Newcastle Art Society.
Collections
Durban Art Gallery.
Empangeni Art & Cultural Museum.
KwaZulu Natal Provincial Administration.
KwaZulu Natal Museum services.
Margate Art Museum.
Museum de Stadshof, Zwolle, Netherlands.
Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
Carnegie Art Gallery, Newcastle.
Other activities
Organised and coordinated more than 60 workshops for unemployed people.
Initiated “Isiphethu” an empowerment group of women who today sell work nationally and internationally.
Represented local craft at two International Trade Fairs at the invitation of Dept. Trade & Industry.
Co-ordinated and curated numerous temporary exhibitions and community events.
Researched and initiated local township cultural tours.
Developed teachers’ workshops to assist with the Art & Culture curriculum.
Presented papers at various SAMA regional conferences.
Links
Tersia Gopi, 'Judy Jordan opens up her art studio to Newcastle', Northern Natal News, 22 March 2017.
Share