Lerato Motaung’s art exhibit, ‘Traces In The Still Air,’ held from October 5 to November 2, in Johannesburg takes us through the themes of memory and grief. This exhibition is staged at 13 Viljoen Street, Lorentzville and allows attendees to take a closer look at these elements and how they shape our identities.
At the heart of the exhibit stands installations of 33 swings, each representing a year of Motaung’s life. These swings are suspended from the ceiling and symbolize the walk of life and how memory and loss intertwine. Motaung’s work unpacks cultural identity and personal experiences through visual storytelling, using painting and sculpture to dig deep into the complexities of human life.
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The exhibit is not only visually striking but also thought-provoking. The worn tires in the exhibit evoked feelings of nostalgia, making visitors reminisce about the joys of childhood. On the other hand, broken glasses poignantly symbolize life’s challenges and pains. The balance between the reflections of life’s joys and sorrows leaves room for contemplation about the fragility of the permanence of loss.
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Lerato’s resume includes being a finalist at the Sasol New Signature Awards in 2021 and participating in the “Our Africa, Our Future” residency program hosted by the African Union in Senegal in 2022. His work has been featured globally, with exhibitions in both Europe and Africa, marking him as a prominent figure in the art world. Among his notable achievements is winning The Emergence Art Prize in 2020, and his work being acquired by prestigious collections worldwide.
