In the ever-expanding world of contemporary art, there are works that beckon you with their subtle charm, and then there are those that grip your soul and never let go. Enter “Dipina tsa Kganya,” a mesmerizing three-channel video installation by the South African artist Lebohang Kganye. This captivating piece is a journey through time, tradition, and the powerful essence of light and song.
At first glance, the title “Dipina tsa Kganya” might seem like a title for a book of church choruses. But upon taking the time and energy to understand and study it, you’ll uncover a world of culture and history. “Dipina” translates to ‘songs’ in the artist’s mother tongue of seSotho, and here, it refers to the songs of her family clan names. These clan names, passed down through generations via oral tradition, are not just labels but living, breathing connections to one’s heritage.
Kganye’s art is an embodiment of this heritage, a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. As she crafts her narrative, she invites us to partake in the ancient southern African practice of ‘praise-singing’ clan names. This act, like a rebellious whisper against the forces of historical erasure, ensures the continuous transmission of her family’s story.
The Lighthouse of Continuity
At the heart of “Dipina tsa Kganya” stands a striking visual symbol – a lighthouse. Positioned in the middle channel of the video installation, it casts a beam of light that dances upon the surrounding ocean scene. This lighthouse is more than just a beacon; it’s a custodian of light, tirelessly tending to its source, the bulb.
This light is not just any light; it’s a symbolic guide for those lost at sea. In the left video channel, we witness the lighthouse keeper’s diligent work, cleaning the bulb with utmost care. It’s an act of preservation, an act that mirrors the preservation of tradition and memory. Just as the lighthouse ensures safe passage through treacherous waters, so too does the act of ‘praise-singing’ clan names navigate the tumultuous seas of history.
The Song That Weaves It All Together
As we bask in the luminous glow of Kganye’s work, a hauntingly beautiful song fills the air. This evocative melody, composed by musician Thandi Ntuli, emanates from a custom-built Polyphon music box. It’s not powered by modern electricity but rather by the human touch – hand-cranked in the third video channel.
This physical connection between the artist and the music box adds another layer of intimacy to the piece. It’s as if Kganye herself is cranking the wheel of history, setting the song in motion. The music, like the clan names, is a thread that weaves through time and memory, connecting the past with the present and the future.
As Kganye represents South Africa at the Venice Biennale and continues to make waves in the art world, her work serves as a reminder that art can be a powerful vessel for preserving the essence of who we are and where we come from. “Dipina tsa Kganya” is not just an installation; it’s a beacon of hope, a song of healing, and a testament to the enduring light of memory.
