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At a time when South Africans need optimism about the future more than anything, a new collection of visual art celebrating our culture of greatness is providing exactly that – with an augmented reality twist – and for a worthy cause

 In Good Company, the book, by local artist Marc-Gregory and made possible by Old Mutual Insure, features 32 prolific South Africans who have achieved extraordinary greatness, and is now available in book stores and online.

The timeless book features over 100 art pieces inspiring hope, strength and courage for South Africans with visual art that is powerful and visceral. Personalities that feature in the book include Ayanda Thabethe, Pearl Thusi, J’Something, Gert-Johan Coetzee, Maps Maponyane, Minnie Dlamini-Jones, Master KG, Thapelo Mokoena, Siba Mtongana, Catherine Constantinides and others. The book opens with a forward by Prof. Thuli Madonsela who also features in the fine art collection.

As an additional experience, many of the art pieces come to life using an augmented reality smartphone app. This enables one to enjoy the selected images with a new dimension.

From musicians to mavericks, humanitarians to health heroes, musicians to chefs, the book is a testament to the fact that South Africa has an abundance of talented people that have achieved remarkable feats across all walks of life. In honoring South Africa’s culture of greatness, In Good Company, the book, shares the exceptional perspectives and astounding stories through some of our country’s top achievers, both through visual  iconography cleverly woven into the fine art and short stories conveying what one can learn from these unique people.

Paging through the book, one will discover how, for instance, Maponyane overcame his childhood stutter and grew to become a distinguished speaker, how Jeremy Loops connects to his creative flow, or how Siba Mtongana sees optimism as the secret ingredient in her culinary creations. The book explores how Khuli Chana reclaimed his personal power after a near-fatal accident and Farah Fortune went from struggling single mom to being named Africa’s most influential woman in media. You can further read about Pearl Thusi’s mental model for success, how Boity learned patience, how Siv Ngesi believes in strength in vulnerability.

Describing himself as a “visual alchemist,” Marc-Gregory spent two years creating the collection, assembling South Africans across different walks of life that have achieved incredible accomplishments, and those whose stories have the potential to inspire others to pursue their own potential. While they all share traits of authenticity, clarity of mindset and dedication to their success, there are many stories that will pleasantly surprise you.  Many have been recognized with awards for the greatness that they have achieved.  Many are current, relevant and recognisable to South Africans. They all have inspiring stories to share. And, as the title of the book suggests, they’re good company.

“When I embarked on this journey two years ago, little did I know how much magic, creativity and dexterity was waiting to be explored. I’ve learnt so much from these accomplished people, and hope that this collection will inspire all South Africans to follow their dreams and acknowledge the greatness they see in each other,” explained Marc-Gregory. “Moreover, I hope to make a meaningful contribution to the Reach for a Dream Foundation who do such impactful work in this regard with children,” he added.

“As a responsible business, we seek opportunities to deliver cutting-edge Corporate Social Investments that contribute to inclusive, transformative, impactful, and sustainable socio-economic development in the communities where we operate,” commented Antonia Oakes, Retail Executive of Customer Experience and Responsible Business at Old Mutual Insure.

“We have a deliberate partnership approach, that promotes social legitimacy and shared value. In partnership with Reach for A Dream Foundation, we believe that this artistic and visual storytelling journey of South African Greats will inspire your hope, dreams and courage. Funds raised from the purchase of this book will go towards building a dream room that will allow children to have a space to play and dream as all children do - despite their illness,” continued Oakes.

The book In Good Company is powered by Old Mutual Insure, in partnership with Reach for a Dream. All proceeds from the book will be used to support children with life-threatening illnesses. Additionally, In Good Company, the exhibition is now on exhibit at Sandton City, where a selection of over 40 of the art pieces can be viewed, together with an online audio guide until 24 October 2021.

For more information, go to www.ingoodcompany.live or to follow the artist on social media go to @marcgregoryart.