Senzeni Mthwakazi Marasela is an artist who focuses on the stories of Black women, their struggles, and their histories. Her latest exhibition, titled “2 O’clock,” is a series of etchings that tell the story of a woman named Theodorah. The series talks about memory, loss, and the challenges faced by many South African families.
Theodorah’s story is about her search for her husband, Gebane, who left their rural home to find work in Johannesburg. He boarded a bus at two o’clock, a time that symbolizes the moment many men leave for the city, often never to return. This bus represents change and uncertainty, reflecting the pain of families who lose loved ones to migration and economic struggles.
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Senzeni’s work is inspired by her own family stories, especially those from her grandmother. These stories talk about the gaps in Black South African history, which is frequently overlooked or forgotten. Her grandmother spoke of a time called the “red dust” era, a period filled with uncertainty as men left for cities in search of jobs. The color red appears prominently in Marasela’s etchings, symbolizing both the trauma of loss and the histories of those affected by apartheid.
In her art, Johannesburg is portrayed as both beautiful and harsh. It is seen as a backdrop for Theodorah’s journey, representing the broader issues of migration and exploitation faced by Theodorah in various liminal spaces—like bus stops and train stations—where she waits and hopes for her husband’s return.
The process of creating etchings is also significant. Each line on the plates represents layers of memory and grief. Senzeni used this technique to unpack the deep emotional impact of loss, making the act of etching a metaphor for her characters’ experiences.
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Theodorah’s story resonates with other literary figures, such as Penelope from Homer’s “Odyssey” and Miss Havisham from Charles Dickens’ works, who also waited for absent partners. Senzeni connects their experiences to the lives of South African women who face similar challenges due to war, migration, and oppression.
Ultimately, the “2 O’clock” exhibition is about more than just one woman’s search for her husband. It highlights the collective experience of Black South African women who have been left waiting—not just for loved ones but for recognition and justice in a world that often overlooks their struggles.
