Opening days before Heritage Day, celebrating 30 years of South African democracy, We, The Purple at The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria plays on Pretoria’s brand as the “Jacaranda City”, reflecting on events like #FeesMustFall and the 1989 “purple rain protest,” with themes of protest, identity, and land rights. In part thanks to…
Thanks to the support of Southern Guild, David Krut Bookshop, and Jonathan Ball Publishers the event, which took place on August 21, 2024, at Mamakashaka, Braamfontein included a conversation between the famous photographer Zanele Muholi and cultural theorist Ashraf Jamal. The occasion was to launch Muholi’s Somnyama Ngonyama, Hail the Dark Lioness, Volume II, which…
Vele everyone knows that kuyanyiwa emjolweni and Amaxelegu, directed by award-winning performer, theater-maker and activist Qondiswa James, is for those yearning for a piece specifically about the treachery of situationships in SA. A provocative play that took place at The Market Theatre in August 2024, thanks to the Market Theatre’s Play Development Programme, under Artistic…
As the 17th edition of FNB Art Joburg loomed upon us, the notion of obsession densely lingered in my mind. I’ve been influenced to know obsession as being negatively manic but time and observation has pointed to how it can serve as a powerful and positive force in the realm of artistic expression. When channelled…
For many, the art fair officially opened last night. For others, it’s today, but for the lucky few, art week has already been in full swing, with galleries vying for the viewer’s attention and only the strongest succeeding. Founded by painter Banele Khoza in 2018, BKhz Gallery, which began as a personal studio has triumphantly…
Reeling from the maddening maelstrom of this menacing city, I found myself waiting at Father Coffee in Rosebank, with enough time to feel reasonably ready to meet one of its most influential characters. I knew who he was, but now for a few moments, I had a chance to know him. Mandla Sibeko, the director and…
One could argue that painting is the most visceral form of art making because it comes directly from the artist’s hand and onto the canvas. There is no filter there. Once the mark is made, it becomes true. Buoyed by a preoccupation with this part of painting, I took it upon myself to pose personalised…
The annual #ThatsWhatSheSaid Celebratory Dinner, organised by Sematsatsa Library in partnership with iTOO ArtInsure, took place at Villa Arcadia, on August 15, 2024, to honour the artist Mary Sibande. The dinner featured contributions from women-owned businesses like Zamindlela and KGOPelo, which align with the initiative’s mission to amplify women’s voices in the South African art…
South Africa has a very distinctive photographic flavour and its titans include Santu Mofokeng, Sabelo Mlangeni, and Ernest Cole to name a few. All of whom were either mentors or influences for Lindokuhle Sobekwa, a renowned photographer, whose work is a continuation of this long legacy. Today, I spoke with Sobekwa about winning the 2023…
It’s been 30 years since South Africa entered democracy and legislatively ended the apartheid regime. New language accompanied the entering into this new territory, named the Rainbow Nation. Within it lay multiracial schools, ubuntu, born frees and coconuts that served as a bridge to reconciliation. The last ten years (marked by the Fees Must Fall…
Studio Fumo is not just any art collective; it’s a nexus of art and activism, dedicated to exploring and challenging social codes through innovative and provocative means. Operating at the intersection of public art and what they term ‘public glitch’ entails, Studio Fumo pioneers new formats in art with a focus on social change. I…
Last Saturday, Monotypebabe also known as Lebogang ‘Mogul’ Mabusela gave a walkabout at Bag Factory Artists’ Studios of her solo exhibition iVum Vum. The exhibition presented Mabusela’s monotype prints and drawings which explore SA’s car culture and Black masculinity. It opened on May 4, 2023, with a monoprint workshop held on May 26 during the…
