ATF: Democracy | Exhibitions at The Melrose Gallery

House of elders, oil on paper, 35 x 45cm. 2024

To begin is to state that this is about conversing—conversing with us, The Melrose Gallery, with curators Ruzy Rusike and Sipho Mdanda, with artists, and with audiences in a sensorial field of democracy that raises new questions in our collective journey. Inspired by a conversation between Achille Mbembe and Bayo Akomolafe, and borrowing from the Igbo people’s aesthetic of meeting the other to trace patterns of convergence and divergence, this dialogue between Rusike and Mdanda embodies that spirit. In a year where 64 African countries in Africa—home to half of the world’s population and an estimated 2 billion votes—participate in the democratic ritual of voting, we pause to reflect on what we are witnessing. The exhibitions “The Agitation to Regain… To Regain, The Regeneration of Africa,” curated by Rusike, and “30 Years of Wishful Thinking,” curated by Mdanda, offer moments of reflection on these themes.

The exhibition launches on 5 July 2024 and runs until 25 August 2024 at The Melrose Gallery in Johannesburg.

The Agitation to Regain… To Regain, The Regeneration of Africa
curated by Ruzy Rusike

Overview:

Through intentional gaps and aesthetic density, the exhibition prompts reflection and contemplation, bridging to light the gap between past and present while carrying forth the significance of our cultural heritage. As we commemorate 30 years of democracy, this exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of the progress made and the challenges still faced in our journey towards societal renewal. It underscores the interconnectedness of democracy, cultural identity, and creative expression, encouraging viewers to actively engage in reclaiming and revitalising their narratives within the context of a democratic South Africa, even Africa. Ultimately, fostering a slow yet urgent conversation pertaining to the regeneration of Africa within the creative realm, inviting viewers to contribute to the ongoing narrative of empowerment and transformation.

Ndikhumbu Ngqinambi, The Word Keepers Oil on paper, 35 x 45 cm, 2024

Frans Thoka, Mohlomongwe ba tla robala (Tribute to Marikana Massacre), 287 cm x 184 cm, Charcoal, paint, 2 photographic prints on gloss paper, segments from a female shirt and a found object (black shirt) on Prison Blanket, 2021

30 Years of Wishful Thinking
Curated by Sipho Mdanda

Statement:
After 30 years, many of our artists remain on the periphery with little chance of exposure to local or international audiences. The shortage of museums, commercial galleries, and access to art fairs in South Africa exacerbate this problem.
Sipho Mdanda curates ’30 Years of Wishful Thinking’ to shed some light on a small portion of talented artists who have committed their lives to creating artworks and who deserve recognition and the fruits of their labour.

04 July 2024 until 25 August 2024

Apartheid led to the underrepresentation of black artists in South Africa. Many of our artists had no way of exposing their artworks to international and even local audiences.

“It is sad that this remains the status quo for many of our artists who are forced to remain on the periphery.”

For many of these artists creating art is a calling. They understand and value the importance of art as “an enhancer of human consciousness” as reasoned by Lefifi Tladi.

It is this burning desire and undying spirit over 4 decades of commitment that this show aims to honour and celebrate.

The exhibition uses geography and the limitations in terms of resources (Gallery access, mentors, poor art education, and limited support from training institutions) as a central theme in highlighting their resilience and courage to continue to create despite enormous challenges.

These artists narrate fascinating stories of life, and their shared triumphs and failures. They fight for their and our social, economic, and political rights after 30 years of freedom.

The exhibition showcases artists who were trained at Rorke’s Drift and several who emanate from poorly funded community art centres in Tshwane. Charles Nkosi, Paul Sibisi, Vincent Baloyi, Thami Jali, Sabela Judas Mahlangu, Avhashoni Mainganye, Sfiso Ka-Mkame, David Phoshoko, Lefifi Tladi, Isaak Nkoana, Anthony Makao, Mechak Raphalane, and Michael Maimane

‘I hope that this exhibition sheds some light onto some of the exceptional talents within our country who deserve our recognition. This is the first of several exhibitions that I intend curating for this purpose. It is important that these artists valuable contributions are documented and not forgotten whilst they are still with us to witness this’, Sipho Mdanda.

For more information regarding the exhibitions contact ruzy@themelrosegallery.com or visit www.themelrosegallery.com

Imvazwe yeSini oil on paper, 35 x 45 cm, 2024

Oscar Korbla Mawuli Awuku, Who am I, Fine Art Photography, Hahnemuhle Rag, 23.39 x 33.11 inches, 2023.

Oscar Korbla Mawuli Awuku, Submission, Fine Art Photography Hahnemuhle Rag, 23.39 x 33.11 inches, 2023.