From September 25 to November 3, 2024, a powerful art exhibition called “They Came and Left Footprints” will take place. This exhibition features the works of two important South African artists, Lucas Sithole and Cyprian Shilakoe. Their pieces are part of the Homestead and Bruce Campbell Smith Collections.
The name of the exhibition comes from a message carved into a sculpture by Shilakoe that greets visitors at the entrance. It speaks of his ancestors who have passed away, reminding us that although they are gone, they have left marks on the world. This idea of footprints symbolizes how we are all temporary and how we are remembered by those who come after us.
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Lucas Sithole and Cyprian Shilakoe were active during the 1960s and 70s, a challenging period in South Africa shaped by the harsh truths of apartheid. Their art reveals the struggles many faced during this time, especially relating to the migratory labor system. Many families were torn apart as individuals moved between rural and urban areas in search of work.
Both artists’ works show a deep sense of sorrow and longing. Through their art, we are reminded of the loneliness and isolation felt by many during this difficult period. Their tall, thin figures express the pain of their communities and their experiences.
Visitors to the exhibition will have a chance to view these two bodies of work together. Seeing Sithole and Shilakoe’s pieces side by side allows us to appreciate the similarities in their stories and artistic expressions. Each artist tells a story of struggle, resilience, and identity in a world that often felt fractured.
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The exhibition is curated by Karel Nel and Carmen Joubert, who have done an excellent job of bringing these important works together. “They Came and Left Footprints” is more than just an art show; it is an invitation to reflect on the past and consider how the experiences of these artists resonate with our own lives today.
