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It is with great sadness that we received news of the passing of Dr Jillian Carman who worked for the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) and made an invaluable contribution to the City of Johannesburg’s Museum services.
Dr Carman had a passion and deep knowledge of the history of the JAG and during her service used that to contribute immensely to the functioning of the gallery.
Her involvement with JAG began when she held the position of Curator of the Print and Paper Collection, and she would later dedicate her PhD to researching the history of JAG.
This extensive research culminated in the seminal book Uplifting the Colonial Philistine (Wits University Press). It is required reading for anyone wishing to understand the rich history behind to founding of the JAG by the Randlords (and Ladies) as well as the role that art collection played in the formation of civic life in the early days of this modern city. In addition to this Dr Carman was an astute editor of catalogues and other art books. She edited one of the volumes of probably the most definitive collection of essays on South African Art History to date, namely: The Visual Century. JAG is especially indebted to her for editing the JAG Centenary Catalogue in 2010/2011.
She was also responsible for the development of the Museum Standards Toolkit which is an indispensable tool for assessing compliance with international museum standards. Carman taught in the Art history department and later became a research fellow at the Wits School of Arts. For many years Dr Carman served as a member of JAG’s Art Gallery Committee which is responsible for approving the purchases of artwork that JAG acquires from time to time. This is a position she served until her passing.
Her deep institutional memory and complete dedication to the intellectual life of South African art will be sorely missed. Similarly, her kind, friendly and caring demeanour made working with Dr Carman truly special. Her loyal and steadfast defence of JAG in challenging times is something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
On behalf of the City of Johannesburg, the Chief Curator, Mr Khwezi Gule and the staff of the JAG, we extend heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. Rest in Perfect Peace Dokotela, your loss is a painful moment for the JAG and the City of Johannesburg.
Issued by:
Councillor Ronald Harris,
MMC for Community Development in the City of Joburg
City of Joburg
08/06/2022
