Time to visit the iconic exhibition Between the cracks: Paul Weinberg at Wits Art Museum

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

We went in big numbers. The fact that the weather behaved was an added bonus. Some came using e-haling services, others drove and did not mind the snail pace of cars driving on Jorissen Street as a result of the construction that is taking place on that street. Inside the Wits Art Museum, an intergenerational crowd had already packed the venue when I arrived. It was hard to move around. I and others I found there did not mind though. The photographs on the walls after all were telling a big story of South Africa. Its evolution from the troubled 80s to the dawn of a promising democracy in 1994. That is when for the first time, some of us had the all-important vote in our hands.

However, Paul Weinberg’s retrospective exhibition, also tells the story of the difficult years, especially the 1980s and the early years of the 1990s.  In the 80s that is when the Apartheid government unleashed nyalas into the township, with police armed to the teeth to control and confront a restless black population, agitating, yearning for freedom that had been denied them for decades. But then when 1994, happened, it felt unreal for both black and white.

All these elements, all this history, is well captured in this exhibition. It is not only one photographer’s journey, it is a journey of a nation, struggling to shake off its Apartheid shackles to limp its way into the promise of a democracy. A democracy that promised equality for all races in the country. A democracy that promised equal opportunity for all.

This is an exhibition, which is as much about the country’s transition from oppression into a democracy, as it is an exhibition about the making of a nation. It is therefore an exhibition that must be seen by all, young and old. The old who lived through it all, will be reminded of where we come from as a nation, while reflecting on the present. In other words are we as a nation today living the promises that appeared on the horizon in 1994, or they still are a mirage, yet to be realised, or never to be realised.

The young, the so called born-frees, will also have something to talk about in relation to this exhibition. For example they will marvel and ponder how possible was it that a majority of this country were so systematically excluded from accessing opportunities, based on their skin colour. That will definitely make them to ponder over the dark side of humanity. But they will also realise the privilege to have been born during a time when that terrible history, is behind this beautiful country, with the demon of Apartheid having long been banished from the country’s books of laws.

By now those who have missed the opening of this exhibitio0n, are probably feeling a sense of having lost an opportunity to connect with the past, as well as pondering the present and the future, for this exhibition does that to a viewer.

However, you do not have to despair simply because there is this Saturday, another opportunity to0 view this exhibition, the last walkabout during which Weinberg will have a conversation with none other than Professor HloniphaMokoena. The walkabout is happening this Saturday.

The walkabout starts on Saturday 5 July 2025 at 12:00 for the final opportunity to attend a walkabout of Between the cracks: Paul Weinberg curated by Fiona Rankin-Smith.

Prof.Mokoena will be in conversation with the photographer.

This will be a special chance to engage with both speakers as they share personal reflections and unique insights into the exhibition.

Professor Mokoena holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cape Town and is currently an associate professor and researcher at the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WiSER). Her articles have been published in: Journal of Natal and Zulu History; Journal of Religion in Africa; Journal of Southern African Studies; Ufahamu: A Journal of African Studies; Interventions: International Journal of Postcolonial Studies; Image & Text and Critical Arts.

“We look forward to your presence at what promises to be a thought-provoking and memorable conversation.

Please be aware that due to ongoing road upgrades, street parking availability is very limited. We encourage the use of e-hailing systems for your convenience,”says WAM.

Museum hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 – 16:00
Entrance is free and all are welcome
Exhibition dates: 13 May – 26 July 2025

For more information on the show and museum please email Julia.Charlton@wits.ac.za