Lady Skollie is set to captivate audiences once again with her upcoming exhibition, ‘GrootGat’. Lady Skollie fearlessly tackles taboo subjects through her use ink, watercolour and crayon. Her work explores themes of sex, pleasure, consent, human connection, violence and abuse, presenting a raw and vulnerable portrayal of the duality of human experience.
The artist’s latest exhibition takes inspiration from Bushman paintings, aiming to shed light on the gaps left by history, oppression and colonialism. Lady Skollie invites viewers to embark on a journey of discovery as she fills in the voids that have been left behind. She emphasises the erasure of Bushman paintings in Africa, a cultural expression that has long been suppressed, silenced and forgotten.
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Through ‘Groot Gat’, Lady Skollie provides a fresh perspective on narratives that have been omitted from history. Her intention is to encourage the audience to confront uncomfortable truths surrounding Bushman culture. The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and honouring cultural heritage that has been overshadowed by colonial influences.
The exhibition takes place around Boesmansgat, a freshwater cave in the Northern Cape that was once a fishing hole for indigenous peoples. Lady Skollie’s artwork, including the triptych ‘Rub Us Out’ and ‘Ek is ‘n Watermeid III’, draws heavily from the influence of Bushman artist Coex’ae Qgam, also known as Dada.
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Dada’s paintings were a profound expression of her people’s connection to the land, spiritual beliefs, and daily lives. Lady Skollie’s ‘Groot Gat’ imagines Dada as a deity, painting beautiful cave artworks to draw in souls before mysteriously vanishing from the face of the earth.
The exhibition promises to be a visual feast, offering a unique blend of selected truths and curated lies. Lady Skollie’s thought-provoking artworks provide a fresh lens through which to view the cultural heritage of the Bushman people
