Linda Givon (1936 – 2020)

It is with sadness that Goodman Gallery announces the passing of Linda Givon, who founded the gallery in 1966, when South Africa still was under apartheid. “An immense tree has fallen in the forest of our culture.”, so the gallery in their official statement.

Born in Johannesburg in 1936, Linda Givon graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Travelling to England, she graduated from the London School of Dramatic Art with a teaching and acting diploma. A year’s internship at the Grosvenor Gallery followed. After Givon’s return to South Africa, The Goodman Gallery in Hyde Park opened its doors in 1966, and since then, has shown the work of such artists as Dumile Feni, William Kentridge, Norman Catherine, Ezrom Legae, Cecil Skotnes and Johannes Segogela, amongst many others. For many years, Givon has been a major donor of art to institutions around the country, and has worked extensively in engaging support for community art centres.

Our thoughts are with her family and friends.