Celebrating 30 years of democracy through exhibition and poetry

Curated by visual artist Happy Dhlame, the event features the likes of Sokhaya Charles Nkosi, Rochester Mafafo, Cyril Manganye, Vincent Baloyi, the late David Koloane, Professor Maake, Domenic Shabangu and Lefifi Tladi. The venue is Plot No:56 The Art Farm in Eikenhof, south of Johannesburg.

By Funeka Bambalele

The South African arts and poetry community will commemorate the 30 years anniversary of democracy in a spectacular way that defines them.

The celebration will be through visual arts exhibition and engaging wordsmiths as well as spoken-word performances.   The event which takes place on April 27, features international poets will take place at plot No:56 The Art Farm in Eikenhof, south of Johannesburg.

Organised by Swaliga Foundation Africa and BeCoCo, the event is set to create a dialogue between veterans and current crop of artists who have been working very hard to uplift their names in the South African Arts Sector.

Curated by one of the exceptionally talented visual artists, Happy Dhlame, the event features the likes of Sokhaya Charles Nkosi, Rochester Mafafo, Cyril Manganye, Vincent Baloyi, the late David Koloane, Pfofessor Maake, Domenic Shabangu and Lefifi Tladi.

“The exhibition is a true reflection in commemorating 30 years anniversary of democracy through poetry and visual artists. It should not only celebrate but take a serious self-introspection as law abiding citizens and questions ourselves if are we really free and what does freedom mean to us. I chose the veteran artists to be part of this exhibition because this exhibition celebrates a big milestone of the country. These legends are the ones who paved the way for us as younger artists.”

“I chose artists like Charles Nkosi because of the role he played in the visual arts. He is the former Head of Department at Funda Community College since the 1980s. Vincent Baloyi served at the Wits University School of Arts for more than 20 years. The late David Koloane is a founder of Bag Factory studios alongside Robert Loder.”

“Cyril Manganye’s contribution in the arts demonstrates that he is knowledgeable and also forms part of Rorke’s Drift alumnus. Rochester Mafafo is currently based in Kimberly and he is famously known for his watercolours art works and his Rastafarian music that captures social strains of black people. Professor Maake is a former teacher, language activist, artist, who also published more than 20 non-fiction books.  Domenic Shabangu is one of the best collage artists in the country. In poetry, I have added Lefifi Tladi who is also a painter who went to  exile.”

The current crop of visual artists features Nompumelelo Tshabalala, Lerato Mutau, Asanda Kupa, Minenkulu Ngoyi, Dathini Mzayiya, Chepape Makgato, Happy Dhlame and Laurence Chikwa from Zambia.

Poets’ line-up includes Dr Kgafela oa Magogodi, Duma Nkabinde, Motho Fela as well as poets from Cuba, Cuba, Los Angeles and Mississipi.