The Catalyst Hotel Partners With upstART Galleries

“It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see” - Henry David Thoreau

Featured on the upstART Galleries’ Instagram page, this quote is a testament to the emotive effects of art on a personal level and its power to transform a space into something inspirational.

The Catalyst Hotel by Newmark Hotels & Reserves in the Sandton Business District in Johannesburg, is proud to partner with upstART Gallery in supporting South African artists as an exhibitor and distributor of their pieces.

A Note From the Curator

Curator Jaclyn Livingstone indicated that upstART Galleries initially started as an initiative to evaluate the potential success of a business model that merged supporting emerging artists, introducing new art to the market, and meeting the needs of investors.

“The exploratory process led to a resounding conclusion: where there is passion, there is potential. The passion of our team and the passion of the artists have created something remarkable,” she said.

At present, upstART Galleries provides ongoing assistance to numerous artists each month, including financial and business guidance, along with opportunities for market visibility in various locations within The Catalyst Hotel, including luxury suites, the lobby, and Kashew Restaurant.

Art lovers looking to support fresh talent will be happy to know they are constantly sourcing new work, developing long-term collaboration strategies with local artists, and solidly establishing themselves as a reputable gallery.

Upcoming South African Artists

Some of the featured artists at The Catalyst Hotel are Teboho Makoatsa and Andrew Ntshabele, who bring a vibrant local dynamic to the interior decor of the hotel. Ntshabele uses acrylic and enamel on mixed materials to create textured, captivating pieces that contrast with The Catalyst’s neutral shades.

Makoatsa is known for his oil on canvas paintings of a young girl wearing oversized red high-heeled shoes. He hosted a solo exhibition at the Catalyst Hotel in May 2023, and his paintings have won several hearts.

Art at The Catalyst Hotel

The Catalyst Hotel is a Newmark Hotels & Reserves property located in a prime Sandton business destination. With its elegant interiors amidst the urban Sandton background, the upstART paintings by African artists bring a sense of warmth and individualism to the hotel.

Guests are welcome to contact upstART if they see any pieces they would like to purchase, whether they are just starting their collection or looking for new pieces to add to an existing collection. Local and international shipping is available.

The Catalyst Hotel’s GM, Robert Chifunyise, is committed to promoting South African artists, both established and emerging, and encourages guests to visit the various spaces in the hotel to view each unique piece.

Set in the heart of Sandton, The Catalyst Hotel is a luxurious oasis that affords you the convenience of being near one of Gauteng’s most upmarket business districts. For business or leisure, book a stay with Newmark Hotels & Reserves to experience The Catalyst Hotel’s premium hospitality and fine art in partnership with upstART Galleries.