A new exhibition called “Sojourn” is set to open soon, featuring a collection of contemporary South African art. Curated from the Art Bank of South Africa, this exhibition will allow attendees to think about what it means to stay temporarily in a place and how those experiences shape who we are.
“Sojourn” unpacks the themes of change and permanence, urging attendees to reflect on time, location, and personal identity. The artworks on display reflect these ideas in many creative ways. For instance, artist Vanessa Tembane uses digital collages to blend images from South Africa with those of her relatives from Mozambique. By adding traditional fabrics called capulanas from her homeland, Tembane creates pieces that tell stories of cultural identity and the diaspora, helping us feel a sense of belonging through her imagined memories.
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Audrey Anderson, another featured artist, presents cityscapes. Her works use printmaking and ink on canvas to show large figures floating over urban scenes. This visual choice symbolizes themes of displacement and observation, perfectly fitting the exhibition’s message about how temporary places can influence our views and experiences.
Identity plays a major role in the works of other artists featured in “Sojourn” as well. Lebo Thoka, Ilené Bothma, and Dimaktso Mathopa offer powerful reflections on female identity. Their art comments on issues like gender-based violence and the struggle for self-representation in a world held back by patriarchal norms. Through their pieces, they provide a moving commentary on the challenges women face in their daily lives.
Azen Langa’s artwork, titled “Mobile Home,” visually showcases the feeling of impermanence. Using acrylic paint and smoke, Langa portrays a female figure carrying her belongings, showcasing the fragility of her existence and highlighting the exhibition’s theme of transience.
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The curatorial team from the Art Bank of South Africa states, “Through Sojourn, we aim to foster dialogue about impermanence and its role in shaping our understanding of self and other.” They hope the exhibition will encourage attendees to rethink their connections to places, time, and cultural identities in our ever-connected world.
The exhibition will be opened by Acting Assistant Project Manager Yolanda de Kock, marking a significant event for both the artists and the community. More than just a viewing experience, “Sojourn” also provides an opportunity for art lovers to acquire contemporary artworks.
