Nirveda Alleck

artist website 

b. 1975, Mauritius. Currently lives in Mauritius.

Nirveda Alleck is a multi-disciplinary artist who explores the psychology of human social life in public and personal spaces. In her paintings, she works with a combination of staged and studied portraiture, adding elements of fiction, or removing backdrops from otherwise hyperreal representations. In her three dimensional work, which studies a variety of objects and scenes, the centrality of human presence is always implied as a central point of interest.

Education

2012: Cultural Leadership Training, African Arts Institute, South African Centre for the Netherlands and Flanders, Cape Town.
2001: Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow.
1997: Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts (Hons.), First Class, Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.

Solo Exhibitions (Mauritius)

2023: No Story is an Island, Caudan Arts Centre, Port Louis.
2020: De quelle noirceur sont tes pensées, Institut Français de Maurice, Mauritius
2018: Divine Weapons, Imaaya Art Gallery, Vacoas-Phoenix.
2013: Select Works, Angsana Balaclava, Balaclava.
2012: Art Party, Hennessy Park Hotel, Quatre Bornes.
2007: Présent Immobile, La Citadelle, Port-Louis.
1998: Zilch And All, Max Boullé Gallery, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill.
2004: Duad, Max Boullé Gallery, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill.

Solo Exhibitions (International)

2019: Car, vois-tu, tu as le droit d’être obscur, Cité internationale des arts, Paris, Paris.

Group Exhibitions (Mauritius)

2016: Edge Effects, La Citadelle, Port Louis.
2016: Porlwi by Light, Company Garden, Port Louis.
2016: Metaform, Roger's House, Mauritius.
2015: Charles Baudelaire exhibition, Helen de Senneville Gallery, Mauritius
2015: Parl’eau- Collaborative work with Katia Bourdarel during La Peau des Choses
exhibition, IFM, Mauritius
2015: Amnesia: 180th anniversary commemorating the abolition of slavery, Rabindranath
Tagore Institute, Mauritius
2014: Glories of Bihar, Rabindranath Tagore Institute, Mauritius
2014: Femlink- Feminin Plurielles, International Video Art exhibition, IFM, Mauritius
2013: La Belle Peinture II, Phoenix Le Halles, Port-Louis.
2012: We Have Lost The Way, Port Louis.
2010: The Landing of the Dodos, public, Quatre Bornes.
2010: 200 Years after the Battle of Grand Port, Commemorative Exhibition, Mauritius.
2009: Indian Diaspora International Exhibition, Mauritius.
2008: INTERLACE - Drawing Connections between SA, Finland and Mauritius, IMAAYA Gallery, Vacoas-Phoenix.
2008: Imaaya Group Exhibition, Imaaya Gallery, Vacoas-Phoenix.
2008: Omada, Live video performance.
2007: Liberté d’expression, Right Now! Exhibition, IBL Gallery, Port Louis.
2007: International Women’s Exhibition, Mahatma Gandhi Institute Gallery, Moka.
2005: 2nd Triennale of Contemporary Art, Mauritius.
2005: Salon de Mai, Mahatma Gandhi Institute Gallery, Moka.

Group Exhibitions (International)

2024: The Sun Never Sets II: More Than One Memory. Unit, London.
2019: Streams of Consciousness, Rencontres de Bamako - Biennale Africaine de la photographie, National Museum of Mali, Bamako.
2017: Ethics in a World of Strangers: Nirveda Alleck and Eric van Hove, Richard Taittinger Gallery, New York City.
2017 : Tous, des sang-mêlés, Musée d’art contemporain du Val-de-Marne MAC/Val, Paris.
2016: 2016 : Dakar-Martigny: Hommage à la Biennale d’art contemporain, Le Manoir, Martigny.
2016 : Le Tour d’Origines, Chapelle Saint-Thomas des Indiens, Île de La Réunion.
2016: Kwe I Espas, Le Hangart, Réunion Island.
2016: We the People, Casablanca International Biennale, Casablanca.
2014 : Des hommes, des mondes, Collège des Bernardins, Paris.
2014: Where are we now?, Marrakech Biennale Parallel projects, Marrakech.
2014: African Artists: Still Fighting Ignorance & Intellectual Perfidy (SFIP), Ben Uri Gallery & Museum, St. John's Wood, London.
2014: Africa Utopia, Digital Africa: The Future is now, Southbank Centre, London.
2014: Analogue Eye: Video art from Africa, National Arts Festival, Grahamstown.
2014: !Kauru, Unisa Art Gallery, Pretoria.
2014: Des hommes, des mondes, Collège des Bernardins, Paris, France
2013: Origins of a new world tour, Made in India, Réunion Island.
2013: Still Fighting Ignorance and Intellectual Perfidy, Ben Uri Gallery, London; Malmö Konsthall, Malmö.
2013: Art Warning the World, Klaus Guingand, online.
2012: One Colour Screening, La Cinematheque Quebequoise, Québec.
2012: Dak'art African Contemporary Art Biennale, La Gare, Dakar.
2011: One Colour, Pfeister Gallery, Bornholm.
2011: To Africanize is to Civilise, Paris Photo OFF, Paris.
2011: Festival Africain d'Images Virtuelles Artistiques (FAIVA) Residency Exhibition, Centre Soleil d'Afrique, Bamako.
2011: Migrant-C, FNB Joburg Art Fair, Johannesburg.
2011: One Minute Africa Awards, Townhouse Gallery, Cairo.
2011: FOCUS11: Contemporary Art Africa, Art Basel, Basel.
2011: Open Studio, Omi International Art Centre, New York.
2011: One Minute Video Africa, Bamako.
2010: African Renaissance, World Festival of Black Arts International, Dakar.
2010: La Foire des Mascareignes, Le Port, Reunion Island.
2010: Dak'art African Contemporary Art Biennale, La Gare, Dakar.
2009: The Réunion Island Biennale of Art, Design, Création, Numérique et Immatériel, Réunion Island.
2009 : Jeux de la Francophonie, Beyrouth.
2009: African Renaissance: Africa is Back, Pan-African Art Festival, multiple venues, Algiers.
2008: 10th Anniversary Raffle, Greatmore Studios, Cape Town.
2008: House Games Triennale, Anna Ruth and Juho Jäppinen's apartment, Jyväskylä.
2008: Tulipamwe International Artists Exhibition, Goethe-Institut Namibia, Windhoek.
2007: International Urban Workshop Exhibition, Thupelo, Cape Town.
2006 - 2007: Femlink International Video Collage, shown at venues worldwide, including Cinematic Lab, Bandung; Foundation of Contemporary Art, Montevideo; Cyber Arts Night Vision Festival, Massachusetts; Espace Dialogos, Cachan; Centre Videofemmes, Quebec and many more.
2006: Resident Artists Exhibition, Bag Factory Artists Studios, Johannesburg.
2005: The 2nd East Africa Art Biennale (EASTAB), Dar es Salaam.
2005: International Painters Exhibition, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishek Gallery, Bangalore.
2005: Tomorrow Land, 11th Triennale India, New Delhi.
2003: Pond, Cochrane Street, Glasgow.
2001: Diplomatic Immunity, Times Square Gallery, New York City.
1999: Glasgow Art Fair, St George's Square, Glasgow.
1999: Interim Show, Glasgow School Of Art, Glasgow.
1998: 6th Seychelles Biennial Of Contemporary Art, National Gallery, Victoria.
1997: Graduate Exhibition, Michaelis School of Fine Art, Cape Town.
1997: Preface, Centre For African Studies Gallery, Cape Town; Association for Visual Arts (AVA) Gallery, Cape Town.

Video Works

2011: They spoke different tongues, 2 channel, 15:00.
2011: L’Offrande, 01:00, (nominated for One Minute Africa Prize).
2011: one color, 03:00.
2011: The return, 02:00, (commissioned by One Minutes Africa).
2009: Ephemeral, 08:00.
2008: Omada, video performance with music and dance, 08:00.
2007: Tragedy of a swing and a chair, 02:00.
2007: Histories, documentary, (commissioned by Right Now! Association, Mauritius).
2006: Power, 20:00.
2006: Perfect Match, video performance.
2005: Ravinal Man, 17:00.
2004: Counter Currents, synchronised video work.
2001: Gist, video with installation.

Collections and Commissions

Porlwi by Light Festival of Contemporary Culture, Mauritius.
Ministry of Arts and Culture, Mauritius.
Azuri Radisson Blu, Mauritius.
Okombahe Community, Namibia.
Lalit Kala Akademi, India.
Reinsurance Consultants, Mauritius & South Africa.
Holcim Cements, Mauritius.
Shields Mural Project, Peugeot Centre, Scotland.
Church House, Bridgeton, Scotland.
UCATT (Workers' Union) March Banner, Scotland.
Isle of Arran Distillers, Scotland.
J.D.Weatherspoons Ltd, Glasgow and Edinburgh Branches, Scotland.
Hannibal (historic documentary), Channel 5, Wark Clements Productions, Scotland.
Citigate, Scotland.
McCabe Contemporary Art (Cecily Getty), South Africa.
Independent Outdoor Media, South Africa.

Catalogues

2021: African Artists: From 1882 to Now. Phaidon: London
2012: Dak’Art, 10e Biennale de l’art africain contemporain, Secrétariat général de la Biennale des arts, Dakar.
2011: FNB Joburg Art Fair 2011, Cobi Laubuscagne (ed), ArtLogic: Johannesburg.
2011: Migrant C, Nirveda Alleck (curator), Johannesburg.
2011: Fanzines, Focus Contemporary African Art, Basel.
2010: Dak’art 2010: 9e Biennale de l’art africain contemporain, Secrétariat général de la Biennale des arts, Dakar.
2009: Biennale Arts Actuels, École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts: Réunion Island.
2009: Francophonie Games, Beirut.
2009: African Renaissance: Africa is Back, 2nd Pan African Festival, Zéhira Yahi (Arts and Culture Department), Algiers.
2009: Indian Diaspora International, Mahatma Gandhi Institute, University of Mauritius, Moka.
2007: International Urban Workshop Exhibition, Thupelo, Cape Town.
2007: Présent Immobile, La Citadelle, Port-Louis.
2007: Art in Mauritius, Hans Ramduth (author), MGI Publication, Moka.
2007: 1st Salon d’Ete, National Art Gallery, Port Louis.
2006: Bag Factory Residents Exhibition, Bag Factory Artist Studios, Johannesburg.
2005: Tomorrow Land, 11th Triennale India, New Delhi.
2005: The 2nd East Africa Art Biennale (EASTAB), Yves Goscinny (author), La Petite Galerie, Dar es Salaam.
2001: Diplomatic Immunity, UKwithNY Festival, New York City.
1998: 24 Artworks by selected South African Artists, McCabe Gallery Publication, Cape Town.

Awards and Prizes

2025: Norval Sovereign African Art Prize (Shortlisted)
2012: Emma Award for Arts and Culture, Bank One, Mauritius.
2011: FNB Art Prize Finalist, FNB Joburg Art Fair, Johannesburg.
2011: 'One Minute Africa' Nominee, Townhouse Gallery, Cairo.
2011: Francis J Greenburger Fellowship, Omi International Arts Centre, Ghent.
2011: Recipient, International Artist Scheme Grant, Ministry of Arts and Culture, Mauritius.
2010: Prix Soleil d’Afrique, Dak’art African Contemporary Art Biennale, Dakar.
2008: HIVOS Sponsorship, Tulipamwe International Artists Workshop and Exhibition, National Art Gallery of Namibia, Windhoek.
2004: Selected for ‘1er Fonds d’Aide au développement du Film’, Mauritius Film Development Corporation, Mauritius.
1999: Postgraduate Scholarship, Glasgow School of Fine Art, Glasgow.
1998: Most Promising Young Artist Award, 6th Seychelles Biennial of Contemporary Art, National Gallery, Victoria.
1997: Dean’s Merit List, Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.
1994: Edward Louis Ladan Bursary used for undergraduate studies in fine art, Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.

Residencies and Workshops

2011: Soleil d’Afrique Residency, Centre Soleil d’Afrique, Bamako.
2011: Omi International Artists Residency, Art Omi, Ghent.
2011: One Minute Africa workshop, Centre Soleil d'Afrique, Bamako.
2009: Biennale Arts Actuels Residency, École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, Réunion Island.
2009: Vieme Francophonie Games Painting Workshop, Beirut.
2009: Indian Diaspora International Workshop, Mahatma Gandhi Institut, Moka.
2008: Tulipamwe International Artists Workshop, Goethe-Institut Namibia, Windhoek.
2007: Artist in Residence, Greatmore Studios, Cape Town.
2007: Thupelo International Workshop, Ruth Prowse School of Art, Cape Town.
2006: Artist in Residence, Bag Factory Artist Studios, Johannesburg.
2005: International Painters Camp, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishad, Bangalore.
2004: Scriptwriting workshop with Mama Keita, Mauritius Film Development Corporation, Vacoas-Phoenix.
2001 - 2002: Artist in Residence, St Patrick’s Primary School, Glasgow.

Other Projects

Chair, Arterial Network, Mauritius Chapter, Port Louis.
Co-ordinator, The Landing of The Dodos public art project, Quatre Bornes.
Project Leader, Migrant-C: Mauritius Indian Ocean Artists Collective, Mauritus.

Professional Experience

2013: Visiting Lecturer, Experimental Video, Visual Art and Digital Arts, University of Mauritius, Moka.
2012: One Day Create, Outdoor Creative Art Classes, Casela Nature Parks, Black River.
2012: Visiting Lecturer, Critical Issues on Contemporary Art, Mahatma Gandhi Institute, University of Mauritius, Moka.
2011: Arts Consultant, Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site, Port Louis District.
2008 - 2009: Lecturer, Mauritius Institute of Education, Moka.
2006: Visiting Lecturer, Painting, Mahatma Gandhi Institute, University of Mauritius, Moka.
2004 - 2008: Education Officer, Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Vacoas-Phoenix.
1998- 1999: Community Arts Teacher, Coatbridge Community Centre, Glasgow.

Mzuzile Mduduzi Xakaza

b. 1965, Maphumulo, KwaZulu-Natal; lives in Durban.

Mzuzile Mduduzi Xakaza’s landscapes draw on personal and collective histories of KwaZulu-Natal. The images respond critically to a tradition of colonial landscape painting that is underwritten by connotations of settler ownership and white authority, and thus Black dispossession. Rather than acting as a detached observer of the land, Xakaza portrays it from a position of belonging.

 

Education

2015: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), History, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town.
2004: Post-Graduate Diploma, Museum and Heritage Studies, Universities of Cape Town, University of the Western Cape and Robben Island Museum, Cape Town.
2002: M.A. Fine Art, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg.
1996: B.A. (Hons) History of Art, University of South Africa, Pretoria.
1992: B.A. Fine Art, University of Fort Hare, Alice.
1992: Higher Diploma in Education, University of Fort Hare, Alice.

Solo Exhibitions (South Africa)

2010: New Landscape paintings and drawings, African Art Centre, Durban.
2007: New Landscape paintings, African Art Centre, Durban.
2005: New Landscape paintings, The NSA Gallery, Durban.
2003: Landscape paintings, African Art Centre, Durban.
2001: Landscape paintings, drawings and graphic prints (MAFA portfolio), Tatham Art Gallery,
Pietermaritzburg.

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

2012: View, KwaZulu-Natal Society of Artists (KZNSA) Gallery, Durban.
2012: Barbara Lindop at Home, Barbara Lindop's residence, Johannesburg.
2011: Barbara Lindop at Home, Barbara Lindop's residence, Johannesburg.
2011: Three Parts/ More Harmony, Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
2011: Who Am I….Ngingubani?, Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
2010: What We See: Reconsidering an Anthropometrical Collection from Southern Africa, Iziko Slave Lodge, Cape Town.
2010: The Lie of the Land, Old Town House, Cape Town.
2010: People, Prints and Process: 25 Years at Caversham, Standard Bank Gallery, Johannesburg.
2009: A group exhibition, Turbine Hall, Johannesburg.
2008: 10th Anniversary Celebrations Exhibition, Greatmore Studios, Cape Town.
2007: Intel Promotional Exhibition, Sandton Square, Johannesburg.
2006: Renault Artists, Everard Read Gallery, Johannesburg.
2005: RENAULT ART & CULTURE, Vehicle Showroom @ Gateway, Umhlanga.
2005: Art @ Home, Residence of Angie Bishop and Sandy Batchelor, Kloof.
2004: Summer, African Art Centre, Durban.
2004: Midlands Biennale, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
2002-3: Untold Tales of Magic: Abelumbi, Durban Art Gallery, Durban; Standard Bank Gallery, Johannesburg; Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg; Carnegie Art Gallery, Newcastle; Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Bloemfontein; TEACH Museum, Empangeni; Pretoria Art
Museum, Pretoria; William Humphrey Art Gallery, Kimberley; Margate Art Gallery, Port Shepstone.
2002: KZN Art teachers’ exhibition, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
2001: Gordon Verhoef & Krause Art in the Park, Alexandra Park, Pietermaritzburg.
2001: Save the Ruth Prowse, Ruth Prowse School of Art, Cape Town.
2001: The Land exhibition, University of South Africa, Pretoria.
2001: University of Natal (Centre for Visual Art) Staff and Post-graduate students' exhibition, Johannes Stegmann Gallery, Bloemfontein.
2000-3: Break the Silence! HIV/AIDS Print Portfolio, Durban Art Gallery, Durban; BAT Centre, Durban; KwaMuhle Museum, Durban; Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg; Iziko South African National Art Gallery, Cape Town; GUS Gallery, Stellenbosch; Gateway Cinema Nouveau Gallery, Durban; MTN, Civic Gallery, Johannesburg.
2000: Natal Arts Trust Biennale 2000, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
2000: Yivume Wethu: A Visual Celebration of the national heritage, NSA Gallery, Durban.
2000: University of Natal (Centre for Visual Art) Staff and Post-graduate students exhibition, Michaelis Galleries, Cape Town.
2000: Break the Silence! HIV/AIDS Billboards around the Durban Metro, Technikon Natal, Durban.
2000-3: Jabulisa 2000: The Art of KwaZulu-Natal, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
1999: Aspirations: Post-graduate students’ exhibition: Centre for Visual Art, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg.
1999: The Right to Celebrate, Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
1999: Izikhwepha Zethu: Our Strength, Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
1999: Ezamandulo: a Heritage Day exhibition, Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
1999: Izwe Lethu: Our Land, African Art Centre, Durban.
1999: Our Heritage, Our Image, The BAT Centre, Durban.
1999: University of Natal Staff and post-graduate students' art exhibition, Karen McKerron Gallery, Johannesburg.
1999: Ngezandla Zethu Art and Crafts Bazaar, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
1999-2000: Golden Scenario 2000!!! An annual exhibition organised by Golden Scenario Art Projects, The BAT Centre, Durban.
1998: Inhlabamkhosi/ The Clarion Call, The Empangeni Art and Cultural History (TEACH) Museum, Empangeni.
1998: The 1st Annual MACS (Midlands Art and Crafts Society) Art Auction and Exhibition, Midlands.
1998: Young Artists’ exhibition, Harris Fine Art, Cape Town.
1997: Metropolitan Life Art exhibition, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
1996: Natal Arts Trust 6th Biennale exhibition, Carnegie Art Gallery, Newcastle.
1996: Jabulisa: The Art of KwaZulu-Natal, Standard Bank Annual Arts Festival, Grahamstown.
1994: Northern Natal Artists Exhibition, Carnegie Art Gallery, Newcastle.
1994: A group exhibition, NSA Gallery, Durban.
1994-5: Artists Invite Artists, Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
1993: Zululand Society of Arts: Members’ Exhibition, Eshowe.

Group Exhibitions (international)

2010: What We See: Reconsidering an Anthropometrical Collection from Southern Africa, Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC), Windhoek; Basler Afrika Bibliographien, Basel.

2001-3: Break the Silence! HIV/AIDS Print Portfolio, National Gallery of Botswana, Gaborone; National Art Gallery, Windhoek; UCLA Fowler Museum, Los Angeles; Palais des Nations, Geneva; Lamb Gallery, Dundee; Gracefield Art Centre, Dumfries; Barcelona AIDS 2002 Conference, Barcelona.

Commissions

2010: Grahaeme Lindop, Johannesburg.
2008: Prof. Extraordinaire, Hans and Babro Engdahl, University of the Western Cape,
Cape Town.
2008: Anette Hoffmann, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town.
2004: Vittorio Meneghelli, Academy Brushware, Germiston.
2002-3: Illustration of annual reports, Lima Rural Development Foundation, Pietermaritzburg.
2001: A barometer for measuring the levels of financial donations to the chest, Community Chest, Pietermaritzburg.
2000: A portrait of King Dingane kaSenzangakhona kaJama, Ncome Museum and Monuments Complex, Dundee.
2000: A mural project in a children’s waiting room, Pietermaritzburg High Court, Pietermaritzburg.
1999: Umgeni Water-Amanzi, Pietermaritzburg.
1999: Sibongile Mkhize, Pietermaritzburg.
1999: A mural depicting Ruben Tholakele Caluza, an African musician, & A new supper room project (executed on behalf of Golden Scenario Art Projects), Pietermaritzburg-Msunduzi City Hall, Pietermaritzburg.
1998: Eleanor Isaacs, Pietermaritzburg

Collections

University of Fort Hare, Alice.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Administration Museum Services, Pietermaritzburg.
Carnegie Art Gallery, Newcastle.
The Empangeni Art and Cultural History (TEACH) Museum, Empangeni.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Parliamentary Building, Pietermaritzburg.
The Caversham Centre for Artists and Writers, Balgowan.
Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
South African Reserve Bank Collection, Pretoria.
Iziko South African National Gallery (ISANG), Cape Town.
Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
Pretoria Art Museum, Pretoria.
Quarters of the Consulate General of the United States of America, Durban.
National Arts Council of South Africa, Johannesburg.
United Nations Office, Geneva.
Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies, Hluhluwe.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York City.
UCLA Fowler Museum, Los Angeles.
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Durban University of Technology Gallery, Durban.
Youth Strategy executive, Dumfries and Galloway, Southern Uplands.
AMPATH National Laboratory Services, Durban.
National Gallery, Windhoek.
National Cultural History Museum, Pretoria.
Renault South Africa, Johannesburg.
Offices of the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal province, Pietermaritzburg.
MTN Arts Foundation, Johannesburg.
Greatmore Studios, Cape Town.

Private Collections include those of former president Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, former government ministers Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Narend Singh, as well as collectors Barbara Lindop, Walter Lindop, Patrick and Sally Enthoven, Prof Extraordinaire, Hans and Babro Engdahl, and Peter Neal.

Awards

2009: Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Research Scholarship, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
2006-8: Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Doctoral Fellowship, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town.

Presented Papers

2013: Natives and ‘other’ Persons may not own so much!: Power and the construction of the South African landscape before and after 1913, 'Land Divided Conference', Robert Leslie Social Science Building, University of Cape Town (in absentia).

2010: Giving Landscape a voice: Photographic dimensions of ‘framing’ power relations in South Africa, 'Bonani Africa Photographic Festival and Conference', South African Museum, Cape Town.

2009: Power Relations in Santu Mofokeng’s Landscape Photography: A Critical Reflection, 'PSHA 4th War and the Everyday Colloquium', Centre for Humanities Research, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town.

2009: Reflections on South African Landscape Photography with particular reference to David Goldblatt, 'Brown Bag Seminar', Interdisciplinary Centre for the Study of Global Change (ICGC), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.

2008: Land and Human Values: Landscape photographs by David Goldblatt. 'PSHA Colloquium', Centre for Humanities Research, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town.

2008: South African Photography: History and concept of landscape, 'Post-graduate Seminar', Centre for Humanities Research, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town.

2007: Critical Analysis of Landscape photographs by David Goldblatt and Santu Mofokeng, 'Symposium', Centre for Humanities Research, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town.

2006: Power Relations in Landscape Photographs by David Goldblatt and Santu Mofokeng, research paper, Centre for Humanities Research, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town.

2002: Isizathu nokubaluleka komsebenzi wokwenziwa komfanekiso-ngqo weSilo sikaZulu uCetshwayo kaMpande, promotional talk, BAT Centre, Durban.

2002: The relationship between Culture and Welfare: Some traditional aspects of the concept of Ubuntu, 'Launch of the Culture and Counselling Centre', Siyahlomula High School, Pietermaritzburg.

2002: The significance of a prestigious commission for the portrait of King Cetshwayo kaMpande of the Zulu, 'Heritage Symposium on Arts, Crafts and Culture', Centre for Visual Art, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg. 

2001: Historical Background and significance of the French art (Barbizon Group and Impressionism) in the permanent collection of the Tatham Art Gallery, talk on the anniversary of the death of Prince Imperial Louis Napoleon in 1879, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.

2001: Witchcraft Images In the Tatham Art Gallery, 'Regional Conference: KwaZulu-Natal Branch of South African Museums Association (SAMA)', Ascot Inn, Pietermaritzburg.

1999: Vuminkosi Zulu: Social and Biblical Themes In His Sculpture and Graphic Work, 'The 15th Annual Conference of the South African Association of Art Historians (SAAAH)', Centre for Visual Art, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg.

1998: Making a Living: An Overview of the Ngezandla Zethu Art and Crafts Project. 'Regional Conference: KwaZulu-Natal Branch of South African Museums Association (SAMA)', KwaMuhle Museum, Durban.

1997: Teaching Art to a Black (African) Child of the post-Apartheid South Africa: A Radical Approach, Women Teachers’ Wing of Natal African Teachers Union (NATU), Impendle Community Hall, Impendle.

1996: Aspects of Landscape Painting in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, 'The 12th Annual Conference of the South African Association of Art Historians (SAAAH)', Department of Fine Arts and History of Art, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg.

Workshop and Lectures

2011: Guest Speaker, Awards Presentation Ceremony, Department of Fine Arts and Jewellery Design, Durban University of Technology, Durban.
2008: Conductor of official launch, Hands On! Masks Off! workshop series, National Arts Festival, Grahamstown.
1996 - 2006: Teacher, weekly art workshops, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
2004: Exhibition opener, This is Where We Live by Siyabonga Sikhosana, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
2001: Guest lecturer, Stages of Development in Child Art: A lecture offered to local pre-school educators, Keep Pietermaritzburg Clean Association (KPCA), Pietermaritzburg.
2001: Teacher, basic drawing skills workshops, Senzokuhle Women’s Group, Mpophomeni Township, Howick.
2000: Teacher, weekly art workshops for children, Ntuthukoville community, Pietermaritzburg.
1999 - 2000: Teacher, Umthangala art appreciation classes: A series of visual literacy workshops for Pietermaritzburg and greater iNdlovu Region township and rural crafters, iNdlovu Region.
1999: Speaker, Indima emelwe ukudlalwa nguthisha ongum-Afrika wangekhulunyaka lamashumi amabili nanye: Ukudlinza okuyinjulabuchopho, A Thanksgiving party in respect of the academic achievement of Xolisile Felicitus Buselaphi Makhaye, Orients Heights, Pietermaritzburg.
1999: Teacher, children’s holiday workshop: Paper collage, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
1999 - 2000: Teacher, bi-weekly art workshops for children, Ntuthukoville community, Pietermaritzburg.
1999: Facilitator, children's mural project for Ntuthukoville Community Hall, Pietermaritzburg.
1997 - 1998: Teacher, children’s holiday workshops, Georgetown Library, Pietermaritzburg.
1997 - 1998: Teacher, weekly art workshops for children, SOS Children’s Village, Pietermaritzburg.
1996 - 1997: Teacher, weekly art workshops for inmates, New Pietermaritzburg Prison, Pietermaritzburg.

Committees

2013: Judging Panel Member, ABSA L’Atelier Art Competition, ArtSpace Gallery, Durban.

2011: Board Member, Artists for Humanity (AFH), Fine Arts Department, Durban University of Technology, Durban.

2011: Award Committee Member, eThekwini Living Legends, Durban.

2008: Selection Panel Member, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum Award, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, Port Elizabeth.

2007 - 2010: Chairperson of Visual Art Advisory Panel, National Arts Council of South Africa.

2007 - 2010: Multi-Disciplinary Advisory Panel Member, National Arts Council of South Africa.

2006 - 2010: Board Member of the National Arts Council of South Africa.

1999 - 2006: Board of Trustees Member, Vuminkosi Zulu Family Trust, Pietermaritzburg.

1999 - 2006: Exhibitions Committee Member, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.

2005: Judging Panel Member, Getting KwaZulu-Natal Learning Competition, Department of Education, Pietermaritzburg.

2005: Member, Msunduzi Arts and Culture Council Forum, Pietermaritzburg.

2005 - 2006: Shop Steward, Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU), Msunduzi Municipality, Pietermaritzburg.

2002: Selection Panel Member, Gordon Verhoef & Krause Art in the Park, Pietermaritzburg.

2002: Selection Panel Member, Environmental Awareness Children’s Art Competition, Golden Horse Casino, Pietermaritzburg.

2002: Judging Panel Member, KwaZulu-Natal Prisons Visual Art Competition, National Institute for Crime Prevention (NICRO), KwaZulu-Natal.

2002: Judge, Sabalala Nolwazi Youth Project Art Competition, Natal Museum, Pietermaritzburg.

1999 - 2001: Management Board Member, Jambo Arts Centre, Pietermaritzburg.

1999 - 2001: Executive Committee Chairman, Golden Scenario Art Projects, Pietermaritzburg and KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

1999 - 2000: Secretary, Pietermaritzburg regional committee of the KwaZulu-Natal Art and Crafts Council, Pietermaritzburg.

1999: Judging Panel Member, Mural Paintings Competition, Sobantu Creche and Pre-school, Pietermaritzburg.

1999: Judging Panel Member, The 50th Anniversary Children’s Competition, SOS Children’s Village, Pietermaritzburg.

1999: Judging Panel Member, Children’s Day Art Competition, Keep Pietermaritzburg Clean Association, Pietermaritzburg.

1998: Judging Panel Member, Crafts Council Fair, Durban Exhibition Centre, Durban.

1997 - 1999: Founder, Member, Projects Co-ordinator, Golden Scenario Art Projects, Pietermaritzburg and KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.

1997 - 1999: Selection Committee Member, Gordon Verhoef & Krause Art in the Park, Pietermaritzburg.

1996 - 1998: Chairman, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands sub-committee of the Craft Council of South Africa, Midlands.

1997: Judge, World Environmental Day Children’s Art Competition, Ambleton Community Primary School, Pietermaritzburg.

1996: Selection Panel Member, Jabulisa: The Art of KwaZulu-Natal Exhibition, Grahamstown.

1994 - 1996: Acquisitions Committee Member, Carnegie Art Gallery, Newcastle.

1991: Treasurer, Fine Arts Society (FASOC), Department of Fine Arts, University of Fort Hare, Alice.

Workshops Attended

2010: Induction Workshop for newly appointed Academic Staff, Vaal University of Technology, Vanderbijlpark.
2002: Dead or alive?, Symposium on heritage in Pietermaritzburg, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg.
2001: Changes in emphasis in UK museums from collection-based work to learning, access and combating social exclusion, Seminar paper by Mark Taylor (event organised by the South African Museums Association, SAMA), KwaMuhle Museum, Durban.
2001: Indigenous Knowledge Workshop, Seminar, Technikon Natal, Durban.
2000: Workshop on outcomes-based education II, Voortrekker, Tatham and Natal museums, Pietermaritzburg.
1999: Printmaking Workshop II: lithography and screen printing, The Caversham Press, Balgowan.
1999: Workshop on outcomes-based education I, KwaMuhle Museum (facilitated by Darryl Houghton, Department of Education, organised by SAMA), Durban.
1999: Open-air visual art workshop, Tatham Art Gallery (organised by the Golden Scenario Art Projects), Pietermaritzburg.
1998: Potato printing on fabric workshop, Old Presbyterian Church, Pietermaritzburg.
1997: Printmaking Workshop: lithography, screen printing, lino-cutting and etching, The Caversham Press, Balgowan.

Other Contributions

2023: Artery: Mzuzile Mduduzi Xakaza with Jeannine-Madeleine Fischer, Episode 26, Camthropod podcast
2013: Author, Who occupies the “centre”?: Reflections on power relations in Gerard Sekoto’s landscapes and other approaches to landscape painting, catalogue essay for Gerard Sekoto's posthumous 'Song for Sekoto' exhibition, Wits Art Museum, Johannesburg.
2004: Author, Vuminkosi Zulu: A Critical Analysis of Social and Biblical Themes in his Art catalogue essay for 'Veterans of KwaZulu-Natal' group exhibition, Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
2004: Author, Social, political and cultural aspects of the art of Trevor Makhoba in the collection of the Tatham Art Gallery: A critical analysis and assessment, catalogue essay for Trevor Makhoba's yet unrealised posthumous exhibition, Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
2002: Author, Spiritual Connotations of Magic/Witchcraft: A biblical perspective, catalogue essay for 'Untold tales of magic: Abelumbi', Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
2000: Yehoshua comforting an AIDS victim (print), presented to Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, by Artists For Human Rights Trust Committee on 11th October, Technikon Natal, Durban.
2000: Co-curator, Organiser, Media Writer, Yivume Wethu: a visual celebration of the national heritage group exhibition, N.S.A. Gallery, Durban.
1999 - 2000: Co-curator, Organiser, Media Writer, Golden Scenario 2000!!! group exhibition, Menzi Mchunu Gallery; Democratic Gallery; BAT Centre Trust; Durban Harbour, Durban.
1999: Logo Designer, Isizinda samaDeke, an inter-provincial organisation aimed at maintaining solidarity among the Makhaye clan, South Africa.
1999: Compiler, April-June Golden Scenario Art Projects newsletter, Pietermaritzburg.
1999: Illustrator, Fidelities V poetry magazine cover, Pietermaritzburg.
1998: Author, catalogue essay for Vuminkosi Zulu's Retrospective Exhibition, Standard Bank National Arts Festival, Grahamstown.
1998: Co-ordinator, Inhlabamkhosi-The Clarion Call group exhibition, Empangeni Art and Cultural History Museum, Empangeni.
1997: Co-ordinator, Catalogue Compiler, Metropolitan Life group exhibition, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
1997: Designer, Golden Scenario Art Projects logo, Pietermaritzburg.
1996: Co-founder, Golden Scenario Art Projects, Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.

Texts

Conservation with Mario Pissarra, Making sense of what landscape is about, (ASAI, 2021).

Mambakwedza Mutasa

Mambakwedza Mutasa

b. Harare, 1974. Lives in Harare, Zimbabwe

Mambakwedza Mutasa’s sculptures, combining wood, stone and metal, reflect on a universal human spirituality and reference the political state of the African continent.

Motivations

Inspired by the creator to create, a sheep to the shepherd, an instrument to glorify his living word in the spirit of Jesus Christ , a mirror to his Godliness, as to bring consciousness of the presence of the present things.

Exhibitions (Zimbabwe)

2010: Summer Exhibition, Domboramwari Art Village, Epworth.
2005: Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), Harare.
2004: Baraka - Blessings of Life, sculptures and hanging constructions, (with the Mutasa brothers, Chenjerai and Mambakwedza), National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.
2004: Motion, navigating the past: The Harare Biennale 2004, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.
2003: Batapata, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.
2000: Exhibition, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.
2000: Exhibition, Innerspace Gallery, Harare.
1993 - 2003: Delta Gallery, Harare
1991 - 1999: The Annual Zimbabwe Heritage Exhibitions, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.

Exhibitions (International)

2007: Cape 07, Cape Town.
2006: Dak’Art; Dakar.
2006: Movement: New Works in Progress by Visiting Artists,
Greatmore Studios, Cape Town.
2004: ArtHAUS, Accra.
2003: Miller Gallery, Spain.
2002: Sufhouse gallery, Canada.
2001 - 2003: Steve Gallery, United States.
2000: Sarenco Gallery, Italy.
1999: Kuona Workshop, Nairobi.
1999: Galerie Zvakanaka, Borne, The Netherlands.
1998: J. Lathan Gallery, Oakland.
1997: AIDS Exhibition, Australia.

Workshops & residencies

2007: Greatmore Studios, Cape Town.
2006: Greatmore Studios, Cape Town.
2004: Insaka International workshop, Livingstone.
2003: Atlantica.
1999: Batapata International Artists Workshop, Mutare.

Batapata international Artist Workshop, Boulton.
Kuona Workshop, Nairobi.
Zvakanaka Gallerie, Holland.
ArtHAUS international workshop, Accra.

Awards and Grants

2005: Elizabeth Greenshield Foundation award.
2002: Elizabeth Greenshield Foundation award.
2001: Commonwealth award, London.
1999: Elizabeth Greenshield Foundation award.
1998: High commendation, National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
1997: Award of Merit for Weldart, National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
1996: Award of Merit for Painting; Highly commended for Weldart; Award of Merit for Weldart, National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
1994: Highly commended for Graphic Art, National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
1994: Award of Merit for Metal (Weldart), National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

Publications

2013: Tony Mhonda, The Art of Recycling, The Herald, Oct 11.
2006: Dak’Art la Biennale de l'Art Africain Contemporain, [catalogue].
2005: Doreen Sibanda, Stone Sculpture: A Retrospective 1957-2004, [catalogue], Harare: Weaver Press.
2004: Celia Winter Irving; Raphael Chikukwa, Motion, navigating the past: The Harare Biennale 2004[catalogue], Harare: National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
2004: 25 year silver jubilee [catalogue] 2003: Batapata artists' workshop [catalogue] 2002: Commonwealth Awards [catalogue] 2000: Enrico Mascellanie Sarenco [art magazine] 1998: Delta Gallery [art magazine] No.12
1997: Heritage '97 [catalogue], National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.
1997: Decade of award winners [catalogue] 1996: Heritage '96 [catalogue], National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.
1995: Delta Gallery [art magazine] No.2
1994: Herald Newspaper, [art review].
1994: Heritage '94 [catalogue], National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.
1994: The Chronicle Newspaper, [art review] Nov 18.

Visual Century (Vol.3, 1973-1992)

Visual Century: South African art in context, 1907-2007 edited by Jillian Carman, Lize van Robbroeck, Mario Pissarra, Thembinkosi Goniwe and Mandisi Majavu.Visual Century is a four volume, multi-author edited survey of one hundred years of South African visual art within historical and art historical contexts, nationally and internationally. Conceived by Gavin Jantjes, the project director with Mario Pissarra acting as Editor-in-chief, Visual Century was project managed by ASAI, and published by WITS University Press (2011).

Click to read an excerpt of the volumes to have more information

Copies of Visual Century: South African Art in Context 1907-2007 are available through the following distributers:

Blueweaver (South Africa)
Email: orders@blueweaver.co.za 
Website: www.blueweaver.co.za

Transaction Publishers (Outside of South Africa)
Email: orders@transactionpub.com
Website: www.transactionpub.com

Oupa Nkosi

b. 1976, Johannesburg, South Africa; lives in Johannesburg.

Photographer and journalist Oupa Nkosi’s work documents South Africa’s many diverse groups, from the black economic and political elite to displaced refugees.

Unveiling the way to my father Mail & Guardian Friday, September 24-30 2010

Mail & Guardian Friday, September 3-9 2010

Kings of the Road: In the ranks with taxi marshals Mail & Guardian Friday,September – October 2009

 

Arts Education

2003 - 1999: Market Photo Workshop, Newtown, Johannesburg.
1998 - 1995: Johannesburg Technical College, Johannesburg.
1994: Musi High School, Soweto, Johannesburg.

Work experience

2009: EQUAL treatment magazine for TAC, Kitso newspaper, Love Life magazine, African Photographers of the Future (Multi-Choice Calendar).
2006: Photojournalist, Mail & Guardian.
2005: Internship, Mail & Guardian.
2004: Instructor and Project Coordinator, Drill Hall, Johannesburg.
2004: School's Pilot Programme, Photography instructor and Project Manager, Johannesburg.
2004: Hillbrow Community Outreach Project, Hillbrow, Johannesburg.
2004: Living Together Project, Photography instructor and Project Manager, Johannesburg.
2003: Kliptown Community Outreach Project, Photography instructor and Project Manager, Johannesburg.
2003: Chiawelo Community Outreach Project, Head Instructor: photography, Soweto, Johannesburg.
2002: Photography assistant to Sally Shorkend.
2002: BRAINSTORM Magazine.
2002: Photography assistant to Marie Ange Bordas, ‘Displacement’ project and exhibition.
2002: Isivivane Solwazi Project, assistant instructor, Johannesburg.
2001 - 2002: Editorial Assistant in the making of the SHARP book
2001: Photography assistant to John Fleetwood for advertising Discovery Health, Lexmark and Gauloises. Sowetan Newspaper and Sunday Times

Solo Exhibitions (South Africa)

2004: Kliptown, PhotoZA Gallery, Rosebank, Johannesburg.
2004: Playtime Festival, Kliptown Community Centre and Market Theatre Gallery, Johannesburg.

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

2010: Bonani Africa, Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town.
2008 - 2009: In Transit, Market Photo Workshop Gallery and Goethe Institute, Johannesburg.
2008: Soccerex, Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
2004: Urban Life, Johannesburg Art Gallery, Johannesburg.
2004: Kliptown Today, Kliptown Community Centre, Johannesburg.
2004: The 19th ABSA L’Atelider Art Competition, ABSA Gallery, Johannesburg.
2003: Playtime, Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg.
2003: SHARP book launch, Cape Town Tourism offices, Cape Town; KwaZulu-Natal Society of Arts Gallery, Durban; Market Theatre Gallery, Johannesburg.
2001: MOVE, Market Photography Workshop, Johannesburg.
2000: Seen, Spark! Gallery, Johannesburg.

Group Exhibitions (International)

2010: Gwanza Photography Month, Harare, Zimbabwe.
2005: Rencontres de la photographie Africaine, Bamako, Mali.
2002: Young Portfolio Acquisition, Kiyosato Museum of Photographic Arts, Japan

Collections

Kiyosato Museum of Photographic Arts, Japan.

Awards

2010: Award, Bonani Africa 2010: Festival of Photography , Cape Town.
2003: Nomination, MultiChoice Calendar - African Photographers of the Future, South Africa.

Manfred Zylla

b. Augsburg, Germany, 1939. Lives between Munich & Cape Town

Manfred Zylla uses drawing, painting and printmaking to produce biting commentaries on global politics, economy and ecology. Working between the political situations of Germany and South Africa, Zylla has historically challenged capitalist-driven processes that forcefully re-render peoples’ relation to their own land, history and culture. 

Work created for various Handicap International campaigns

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[Show slideshow]

Art Education

2023: ASAI Print Access Workshop, Michaelis School of Fine Art, Cape Town.
2018: ASAI Print Access Workshop, Michaelis School of Fine Art, Cape Town.
1959 - 1960: Mostly self taught, student with Prof. Butz at the Art Academy in Augsburg, Germany
1957 - 1960: Apprenticeship as a lithographer in Augsburg, Germany.

Exhibitions (solo)

2024: Manfred Zylla, Odyssey, Michaelis Galleries, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.
2017: Manfred Zylla: Fur Jeden Etwas, Erdmann Contemporary, Cape Town.
2014: Prints & Drawings 1960 - 1990, Lanz 7 Gallery, Munich, Germany.
2014: I want to Swim a Thousand Miles, Erdmann Contemporary, South Africa.
2013: 120 Days of Sodom, Munich, Germany.
2012: In Retrospect, Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Bloemfontein; William Humphreys Art Gallery, Kimberley; Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
2010: Future Memories, Centro Luigi Di Sarro, Rome, Italy.
2010: Again and Again, Erdmann Contemporary, Cape Town. Future Memories, Centre Luigi Di Sarro, Rome.
2008: New Paintings, Erdmann Contemporary, Cape Town.
2008: Faces of Saron, Suidoosterfees, Artscape.
2008: Portraits, Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees, Oudtshoorn, South Africa.
2007: Faces of Vredendal, Artscape, Cape Town.
2005: Work on Paper, Erdmann contemporary, Cape Town.
2004: Gallery Momo, Johannesburg.
2003: Interim, Munich. Obz Cafe, CapeTown.
1993: Dritte Welt Cafe, Munich; Ecke Gallery Kneipe, Augsburg.
1992: Glokenbachwerkstatt, Munich.
1991: Art des Foyer, Munich.
1990: Association for Visual Arts, Cape Town.
1986: Amnesty International, Munich.
1980: South African Association of Art, Cape Town.
1978: Kleine Schlossgalerie, Munich.
1975: Space, Cape Town.
1966: Ecke Stuben, Augsburg, Germany.
1965: Obere Stube, Ulm, Germany.

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

2020:  Cafe Ganesh, Observatory, Cape Town.
2018: Once when we were free, Erdmann Contemporary, Cape Town.
2016: Auf Wiedersehen is Not Good Bye, Erdmann Contemporary, Cape Town.
2016:  Beyond Binaries, Essence Festival, Durban.
2015:  Co-Existence part II – Manfred Zylla, Garth Erasmus and Antonin Mares, Erdmann Contemporary, Cape Town (Click here for opening remarks).
2015:  Cape Town Art Fair, Cape Town.
2015:  Breaking Surface, Galerie NOKO, Port Elizabeth.
2015:  The Industrial Karoo - Fear and Loss, Pretoria Art Museum, Pretoria.
2014:  The Industrial Karoo - Fear and Loss, Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Bloemfontein.
2014:  The Trouble With Memory, Erdmann Contemporary, Cape Town.
2013:  Crossing the Divide, ErdmannContemporary, Cape Town, South Africa
2013:  Re-Drawn Conclusion, ErdmannContemporary, Cape Town
2008:  Painful Earth, Gallery Momo, Johannesburg.
2007:  Artseasons, Franchhoek. 
2007: Riempie Vasmaak (with Garth Erasmus & Roderick Sauls), Erdmann Contemporary, Cape Town.
1985:  Art for Peace, Baxter Theatre Gallery (organised by End Conscription Campaign).
1984  (With Paul Grendon), South African Association of Art, Cape Town.
1980:  Biennale, Cape Town.

Group Exhibitions (International)

2015:  Beijing Biennale, Beijing, China.
2014:  The Secret Garden, Museo di Villa Vecchia, Rome, Italy.
2014:  Twenty: Contemporary South African Art, The Appalachian State University, North Carolina, USA.
2013:  Zylla & Erasmus, EineWeltHaus, Munich, Germany.
2009: (with Garth Erasmus) Fernwarme Kapstadt, BBK Ulm, Germany. Havanna Biennale, Cuba.
1997 - 2000: Various exhibitions with Handicap International in Munich, Berlin and Augsburg. Designed the Handicap Bus Exhibitions with Sans Papiers.
1993: Art Against Racism, Dritte Welt Cafe, Munich.
1989: South African Anti-Apartheid Festival, Amsterdam.
1987: South African Conference on Literature, Bad Boll, Germany.
1986: 120 Hours Action, Kunstakademie, Munich.
1983: Krieg und Frieden, Bremen, Germany.
1982: Culture and Resistance, Gaberone, Botswana.
1965: Anti-Vietnam War, travelling exhibition through Germany (organised by Workers Union).
1964: Socialistic Realism (from West and East Germany), Augsburg, Germany.
1961: Junge Westen, Recklinghausen, Germany.
1960 - 1962: Spring and Autumn Exhibition, Artists’ Union, Augsburg, Germany.

Actions

2010: As Is (with Garth Erasmus, Roderick Sauls and Niklas Zimmer), Breytenbachsentrum, Wellington.
2002: (With Charles Bhebe) Mural at Eine Welt Haus, Muenchen. Revised in 2009 (with Garth Erasmus).Numerous performances as a musician.
2002: Voices in Transit, drawings of refugees at Cape Town train station for Cape Town Festival.
1992: Stand Up For Tolerance, billboard action paintings, Muenchen.
1991: Ozone, billboard action paintings, Muenchen.
1990: Puzzle Action (organised by South African Scholarship Fund), Tuebingen, Germany.
1982: Interaction, CAP, Cape Town.Other experience
1961 - 1970: Worked as a lithographer in various parts of Germany, landscape painter and print maker, mainly in the medium of wood.
1974 - 1985: Worked as a lithographer and educator at Hirt and Carter in Cape Town.
1981 - 1986: Teacher and organizer at the Community Arts Project, Cape Town.
1981 - 1984 Taught photographic image in print making at Michaelis School of Fine Art.

Publications (Books, newspapers, journals)

2009: "Manfred Zylla, Interaction," Critical Interventions: Journal of African art history and visual culture, numbers 3/4 Spring: pp. 206-222.
1989: Sue Williamson, Resistance Art in South Africa (Cape Town: David Philip).
1988: G. Ogilvie, The Dictionary of South African Painters and Sculptors (Johannesburg: Everard Read). Staffrider, Contrast, Cape Times, Weekly Mail, ADA, Varsity, Vula, Tendenzen, Zeitschrift fuer Kulturaustauch Dritte Welt (IKA), Anti-Imperialistic Bulletin (Germany), The Guardian (New York), Tri-Quarterly (USA). Collections Iziko SANG, Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, Bredasdorp Municipal Collection, University of Cape Town, South Africa; Archiv, Augsburg, Germany; University of Botswana, Botswana.

Private Collections

England, Switzerland, Germany, America, South Africa.

Links

Profile on Erdmann Contemporary website
Profile on SAHO

Maurice Mbikayi

b. 1974, Kinshasa, DR Congo; lives in Cape Town, South Africa.
Maurice Mbikayi is a multimedia artist, working in sculpture, installation, performance and photography. Mbikayi skillfully integrates digital debris with political themes, foregrounding the problems of Africa’s continued exploitation for the progress of the global tech industry. By repurposing tech waste into sculpture, Mbikayi highlights the underbelly of ‘advancement’ – exploitation of Black mining labour, environmental damage and systemic health risks.

A Creative Exchange

Getting under our skinSuzy Bell, Cape Times January 21, 2011

Maurice Mbikayi Art South Africa 2011

Maurice Mbikayi: The Creative Exchange

“Voyage Ensemble, A Journey Together” , Scalabrini Centre, Cape Town 2007. Exhibition booklet.
 
 

“Voyage Ensemble, A Journey Together” , Scalabrini Centre, Cape Town 2006

“Voyage Ensemble, A Journey Together” , Scalabrini Centre, Cape Town 2006 - Maurice

 

Arts Education

2015: Master of Fine Art with distinction, Michaelis School of Fine Art, Cape Town.
2009: Higher Certificate in Photography, Vega Brand Communication School, Cape Town.
2000: Graphic Design and Visual Communication, Institut des Beaux-Arts, Kinshasa.
1994: Diploma in Fine Art, Institut des Beaux-Arts, Kinshasa.

Solo Exhibitions (South Africa)

2019: Coucou Crumble, Gallery MOMO, Cape Town.
2016: Mupia-Mupia, Gallery MOMO, Johannesburg.
2011: Notre Peau, Association for Visual Arts, Cape Town; Centre for African Studies Gallery, Cape Town; Villa Arcadia, Johannesburg.
2010: Echoes, Alliance Francaise, Cape Town.
2007: Maurice Mbikayi, The Framery Gallery, Cape Town.

Solo Exhibitions (International)

2018: Mupia-Mupia, Fondation Friedrich Naumann, Dakar.
2018: Masks Of Heterotopia, Officine dell’Immagine, Milan.

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

2019: Still Here Tomorrow to High Five You Yesterday…, Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town.
2016: Paradoxal Stranger, Gallery MOMO, Cape Town.
2016: Troubled Land, Iziko South Africa National Gallery, Cape Town.
2015: On Entropy and Becoming, AVA Gallery, Cape Town; Constitution Hill, Johannesburg.
2011: Thinking Africa and the Diaspora Differently, Centre for African Studies Gallery, Cape Town.
2010: reasons to live in a small town, Goethe on Main Gallery, Johannesburg.
2010: Amani Festival, LookOut Hill, Cape Town.
2009: Artreach in progress, Association for Visual Arts, Cape Town.
2008: Soul of Africa, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Johannesburg.
2007: Human Rights Day, Iziko Slave Lodge, Cape Town.
2007: Reconciliation Day, Iziko Slave Lodge, Cape Town.
2007: Group Exhibition, Blank Projects, Cape Town.
2007: X-Cape Circuit, Scalabrini Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
2006: A Response to Picasso and Africa, Alliance Francaise, Cape Town.
2006: A journey together, Scalabrini Centre, Cape Town.
2006: Portrait, Association for Visual Arts, Cape Town.

Group Exhibitions (International)

2019: Face with Tears of Joy, Blitz, Malta.
2019: Digital Imaginaries: Africas in Production, Wits Art Museum, Johannesburg; Kër Thiossane, Dakar; ZKM, Karlsruhe.
2018: Congo Stars, Kunsthaus Graz, Graz.
2018: ON/OFF, Casa Victor Hugo, Havana; 17 Biennale De Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi.
2018: YOUNG CONGO, Kin ArtStudio, Kinshasa.
2018: Urban Axis / Another Antipodes, PS Art Space, Freemantle.
2018: WE CALL IT “AFRICA”, Artists From Sub-Saharan Africa, Officine dell’Immagine, Milan.
2014: Art of the Lived Experiment, The Bluecoat School Lane, Liverpool; Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA), Grand Rapids, Michigan.
2012: Window Exhibition/ Traces at Dock, Basel.
2011: Celeste Prize Finalists Exhibition & Awards, The Invisible Dog, New York City.
2010: AFRIKA SUR L’ÉVENEMENT POÉTIQUE, Centre Culturel des Mazades, Toulouse.
2008: The art of determination, Harare International Festival of Arts (HIFA), National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.

Performances

2010: Voices, Spier Contemporary 2010 Biennale, City Hall, Cape Town.
2010: Minky Mwendo (Distant relationships), Mullineux Wine Cellar, Cape Town.
2010: Healing (with Lodi Paul Inga), Khayelitsha Festival of Cultural Diversity, Cape Town.
2008: Talking Heads (with Magdelena Kunz and Daniel Glaser), Pro Helvetia, Cape Town.

Collections

The Development Bank of South Africa, Midrand.
Hollard Corporate, Johannesburg.
Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town.
Scheryn Art Collection, Cape Town.
Progressive Art Collection, Mayfield Village, Ohio.
Yellowwoods Art, Cape Town.

Publications

2011: Business Art South Africa, July 27, p. 6. SA Art Times, February, p. 28. What’s on in Cape Town, Mail and Guardian, January 28 to February 3, p. 3. Cape Times, January 21
2010: Ruth Simbao, Cosmolocalism: The audacity of place, CCA Lagos Newsletter, no. 10, September-December. Jay Pather (ed.), Spier Contemporary 2010, Africa Center, Cape Town
2010 Sean O’Toole, Parting shot, Sunday Times, March 28. Art South Africa, Winter, vol. 8, issue 4
2007 Andrew Mulenga, Artistically brushing out xenophobia in SA, Weekend Post, November 30

Awards

2010-2011: The Hollard Creative Exchange Programme, Cape Town and Johannesburg.
2007: Best group proposal, Table Mountain Cable Way Station Award, Cape Town.

Other

2010: Up and Down with Steve Bandoma (research project from '2010 Reasons to live in small town'), VANSA, Cape Town and Johannesburg.
2010: Performance Arts Workshop (with Spier Contemporary), Hiddingh Hall, Cape Town.
2010: Portrait (film documentary for Red Cross Exchange programme), Cape Town.
2010: Stroke of genius (workshop facilitator), Department of Sport and Cultural Affairs & Department of Trade and Industry, Cape Town.
2009: Facilitator at Art therapy workshop for adolecents and elderly, CWD Trauma and Healing Project, Cape Town.
2009: Facilitator at Art therapy workshop for women with HIV/AIDS, CWD Trauma and Healing Project, Cape Town.
2009: Facilitator at Art therapy workshop for children, Lawrence House Shelter, Cape Town.
2007: Educational youth programmes with Kathy Coates (a series of mixed media installations), Annexe at Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town.
2007: The art of dissent (a film documentary with Lionel Davis, Jonathan Zapiro, Ruth Carneson), Cape Town.
2006-2007: Multimediations, Cape Africa Platform (with City Varsity), Cape Town.
2006: Facilitator at Art therapy workshop for refugee women and children, Scalabrini Centre, Cape Town.

Links

Home


Mandla Mabila

b. 1969, Barberton, Mpumalanga; d. 2012.

Mandla Mabila’s allegorical self-portraits drew from childhood experiences and memories, and raised issues around disability.

Mandla Mabilia. Bringing up Baby: Artists survey the reproductive body. Terry Kurgan. 1998

 

Arts Education

1993 - 1997: Bachelor of Art (BA), Fine Art, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

Solo Exhibitions (South Africa)

2008: Mentors of excellence, Disability Lifestyle Expo, Nasrec, Johannesburg.
2001: From where I’m sitting, Standard Bank Art Gallery, Johannesburg.
2000: Brushstrokes, Bill Ainslie Gallery, Johannesburg.

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

2007: Soul of Africa, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Johannesburg.
2006: Turn the table, ArtSpace, Johannesburg.
2006: Traditional values – Innovative ideas, Rand Merchant Bank, Johannesburg.
2006: Artists in conversation, Wits Art Galleries, Johannesburg.
2005: Artists in conversation, Pretoria Art Museum, Pretoria.
2002: Beyond barriers, Johannesburg Art Gallery, Johannesburg.
2002: Perceptions, ArtSpace, Johannesburg.
2001: Friends of the Standard Bank Gallery, Standard Bank Gallery, Johannesburg.
2000: Weft & Warp, Johannesburg Civic Art Gallery, Johannesburg. 2000: Artichoke, Sandton Civic Gallery, Johannesburg.
2000: Mnemosyne, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
2000: Disability Renaissance, (with Tommy Motswai and Elvis Ntombela), BAT Centre, Durban.
2000: Visions of the future – World’s largest canvas interactive exhibition participation, Johannesburg Civic Art Gallery, Johannesburg. 2000: Transgressing normalcy, Bela Bela Township, Warmbaths.
1998: Bringing up baby: artists survey the reproductive body, Standard Bank National Arts Festival, Grahamstown; Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town; Standard Bank Gallery, Johannesburg.
1998: Family ties, Sandton Civic Gallery, Johannesburg.
1997: Fifty stories, Carlton Centre, Johannesburg.
1997: Martinessen Prize, Gertrude Posel Gallery, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
1996: Martinessen Prize, Gertrude Posel Gallery, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
1991: Student show, State theatre, Pretoria.

Group Exhibitions (International)

1999: Art and Soul Festival, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.

Publications (illustrations)

2009: Kobus Moolman (ed.), Tilling the Hard Soil, University of KwaZulu-Natal Press, Durban.

Publications (reviews & catalogues)

2008: Sabine Marschall, Transforming symbolic identity: Wall art and the South African identity, 'African Arts', Summer vol: 21.
2001: Shelley Barry, Politicising disability through arts and culture: an interview with Mandla Mabila, Disabilty World vol 9.
2001: Michael Coulson, Financial Mail, September 7.
2001: Kathryn Smith, Art Bio:Mandla Mabila, Artthrob, September
1998: Terry Kurgan, Bringing up baby: artists survey the reproductive body, Cape Town.

Awards

2008: Mentors of Excellence Award, Nasrec, Johannesburg.
2008: South African Disabled Musicians Association Award, Diepkloof Hall, Soweto.
2005: Nomination, Brett Kebble Awards, Cape Town.
2000: National winner, UBS Art Award, Camouflage Art, Johannesburg.
1998 - 1999: Postgraduate Merit Award, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
1997: Top Achievers Award for disabled students, Coca Cola Wits Foundation, Johannesburg.

Collections

Gauteng Legislature.
Telkom South Africa.
South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

Other

2008 - 2011: Standard generating bodies and national qualification framework specialist, MAPPP-SETA, Johannesburg.
2007: Acting skills planning and Projects manager, MAPPP-SETA, Johannesburg.
2005: Implementation co-ordiantor, MAPPP-SETA, Johannesburg.
2004: Regional Coordinator, MAPPP-SETA, Johannesburg.
2002 - 2003: Information and disability coordinator, Create South Africa, Johannesburg.
2002: Painting tutor, Wits School of Arts, Fine Art Department, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
2001: Assistant graphic design, Computer and Network Services, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
1998: Drawing research assistant, Rock Art Research Unit, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
1997: Research assistant, Disabled Student Programme; People awareness of disability issues, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
1997: Assistant designer, International Association of Art Critics, Johannesburg.
1996: Student assistant, Central Admissions Office, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.

Links

Politicising Disability through arts & culture:Interview with Mandla Mabila Shelley Barry. Disabilty World, Issue no. 9, July-August 2001

Art show dedicated to the disabled August 2000 News 24.com

 

Ludumo Maqabuka

b. 1982, Umtata, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Lives in Johannesburg.

Ludumo Maqabuka’s work considers the influences of mass media on township life, exposing societal norms and constructed identities.

Arts Education

2007 National Diploma in Fine Art, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria

Solo Exhibitions

2009 27 Design Cafe, Pretoria
2008 Socially Disorientated, GordArt Gallery, Johannesburg

Group Exhibitions

2009 Obert Contemporary, Johannesburg
2008 Emerging Layers, Seippel Gallery, Johannesburg
2007 Contemporary Visions of Southern Africa, Pretoria Art Museum, Pretoria
2006 Student Exhibition, UNISA Art Gallery, Pretoria. Street Art, 26Art Gallery, Pretoria

Competitions

2007 Sasol New Signatures
2006 Sasol New Signatures
2004 Absa L’Atelier

Other

Works as a graphic designer and manages an Internet Cafe in Pimville, Soweto.
2009 Organised Sunday Lunch sessions, Pretoria
2008 Mural painting, School of Creative Art, Pretoria
2004-2006 Member of Uhuru wa Maisha Arts and Culture movement (Hosted poetry sessions, discussions and art workshops; library workshops, Eskia Mphahlele Community Library, Pretoria)

Ishmael Thyssen

b. Jan Kempdorp, Northern Cape, 1953. Lives in Steenberg, Western Cape.

Primarily a wood sculptor, Thyssen also paints, prints and carves relief panels. His often contemplative figures are influenced by modernist and African sources, as well as by social concerns.



Education

1976 - 1977: Art Class, Methodist Church, Somerset West, South Africa.
1980 - 1984: Studied at Community Arts Project (under Cecil Skotnes), Woodstock, Cape Town.

Exhibitions (solo)

2013: Return, The Framery Art Gallery, Sea Point, Cape Town.
2000: Association for Visual Arts, Cape Town.
2000: Winchester Hotel, Sea Point, Cape Town.
1991: Centre for African Studies, University of Cape Town.
1987: Riverside Centre, Rondebosch, Cape Town.

Exhibitions (group)

2014: ‘Against the Grain’, Sanlam Art Gallery, Bellville, South Africa.
2013: ‘Against the Grain’, Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town.
2006: Kalk Bay Modern (with Peter Clarke), Kalk Bay, Cape Town.
2002: ‘New directions’, The Framery Gallery, Sea Point, Cape Town.
2000: Greatmore Studios, Woodstock, Cape Town.
2000: Retreat Municipal Library, Retreat, Cape Town.
1996: Galerie Knud Grothe, Charlottenlund, Denmark
1993: Manneberg Jazz Cafe’ (with Donovan Ward), Cape Town.
1992: Primordial Stirrings, Primart Gallery, Claremont, Cape Town.
1992: Village Studio, Constantia, Cape Town.
1992: ‘Made in Wood’, Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town.
1991: Gallery International (with Willie Bester and Isaac Makeleni), Cape Town.
1990/1991: ‘Art-on-the-box, [Primart], Cape Town.
1990: [Members exhibition], Dorp Street Gallery, Stellenbosch, South Africa.
1989: Centre for African Studies, University of Cape Town.
1989: Rahmen Galerie(with Peter Clarke and Tyrone Appolis), Langen, Germany.
1989: ‘Images of Wood’, Johannesburg Art Gallery.
1987: Cavendish Square, Claremont, Cape Town.
1987: African Treasures, National Touring exhibition, South Africa.
1986: South African National Gallery, Cape Town.
1984: Riverside Centre, Rondebosch, Cape Town. (organised by South African Institute of Race Relations)
1983: Gowlett Gallery, Cape Town.
1982: Hugo Naude House, Worcester, South Africa.

Collections

Iziko South African National Gallery
Centre for African Studies (UCT) Collection
University of the Western Cape
Investec Bank Collection
Standard Bank

Publications

2013: Mario Pissarra, 'Against the Grain’, Cape Town: Africa South Art Initiative.
1993: Martin, Marilyn; Proud, Hayden; et al, ‘Made in Wood: Work from the Western Cape’, South African National Gallery, Cape Town
?1989: Images of Wood

Omar Badsha

b. 1945, Durban, South Africa; lives in Cape Town.

Documentary photography stalwart, Omar Badsha has a long history as a political and cultural activist. More recently, Badsha’s work has involved the development of South African History Online, a website and NPO, which he founded in 1998.

  

SeedTimes, Omar Badsha

Omar Badsha, Seedtimes

Omar Badsha – Seedtimes

Read book

© South African History Online

Imijonjolo, Omar Badsha

Imijondolo, Omar Badsha

© South African History Online
 

Letter to Farzanah, Omar Badsha

Letter to Farzanah, Omar Badsha

© South African History Online
 
South Africa: The Cordoned Heart, Omar Badsha
South Africa: The Cordoned Heart

Omar Badsha (ed) – South Africa: The Cordoned Heart

Read book

© South African History Online

Imperial Ghetto: Ways of Seeing in a South African City, Omar Badsha

Imperial Ghetto, Omar Badsha

Omar Badsha – Imperial Ghetto: Ways of Seeing in a South African City

Read book

© South African History Online

With Our Own Hands: Fighting Poverty in South Africa, Omar Badsha (ed)

With Our Own Hands: Fighting Poverty in South Africa, Omar Badsha (ed)

Omar Badsha (ed) – With Our Own Hands: Fighting Poverty in South Africa

Read book

© South African History Online

Amulets & Dreams: War, Youth and Change in Africa, Omar Badsha & Guy Tillim (eds)

Omar Badsha & Guy Tillim (eds) – Amulets & Dreams: War, Youth and Change in Africa

Omar Badsha & Guy Tillim (eds) – Amulets & Dreams: War, Youth and Change in Africa

Read book

© South African History Online

Art Education

Self-taught.

Solo Exhibitions (South Africa)

2006: Retrospective, Durban Art Gallery (DAG), Durban.
2001: Narratives, Rituals and Graven Images: A Retrospective, Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town.
2001: Imperial Ghetto, Durban Art Gallery (DAG), Durban.
1990: On Education, Centre for African Studies, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.
1987: Exhibition, Shell Gallery, Cape Town.
1983: Imijondolo, Market Photo Gallery, Johannesburg; University of Natal, Durban; Merebank Public Library, Durban.
1981: Exhibition, Market Photographic Gallery, Johannesburg.
1979: Letter to Farzanah, Natal Society of Arts (NSA), Durban; Pietermaritzburg Public Library, Pietermaritzburg.
1970: Exhibition, Artists' Gallery, Cape Town.

Solo Exhibitions (International)

2004: Narratives, Rituals and Graven Images, Saba Cultural centre, Tehran.
2002: Imperial Ghetto, Alliance Ethio-Francaise, Addis Ababa.
1996: Imperial Ghetto, Pakistan South African High Commission, Islamabad.
1995: Images of Denmark, Copenhagen City Hall, Copenhagen.

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

2010: Under the Umdoni Tree: The Art of Omar and Ebrahim Badsha, Durban Art Gallery (DAG), Durban; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
2010: 1910-2010: From Pierneef to Gugulective, Iziko South African National Gallery (ISANG), Cape Town.
2009: Precedents and Currents, Mayibuye Centre, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town.
2007: Africa South, Association for Visual Arts (AVA), Cape Town.
2005: ReVisions: Expanding the Narrative of South African Art, Iziko South African National Gallery (ISANG), Cape Town.
2004: A Place Called Home, Durban Art Gallery (DAG), Durban; Iziko South African National Gallery (ISANG), Cape Town; Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG), Johannesburg.
2003: Freedom ZA, Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town.
2002: Amulets and Dreams: War, Youth and Change in Africa, Durban Art Gallery (DAG), Durban.
2002: Bonani Africa Festival of Photography, Museum Africa, Johannesburg; Pretoria Art Gallery, Pretoria.
2000: With our own Hands: Fighting Poverty in South Africa, University of South Africa (UniSA), Pretoria.1998: Eye Africa – African Photography 1840-1998, Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town; South African National Gallery (SANG), Cape Town.
1996: National Women’s Day Exhibition, House of Parliament, Cape Town.
1996: Cape Town Festival, Centre for the Book, Cape Town.
1996: Portraits, South African National Gallery (SANG), Cape Town.
1996: 25 years of Photo-Journalism, Cape Town; Johannesburg.
1996: Photo Synthesis: Contemporary South African Photography, South African National Gallery (SANG), Cape Town.
1996: Exhibition, Grahamstown National Arts Festival, Grahamstown.
1995: People's Portraits, South African National Gallery (SANG), Cape Town.
1992: Visual Arts Group Exhibition, Zolani Centre, Nyanga East; Uluntu Centre, Gugulethu; Manenberg Peoples Centre, Manenberg; Association of Visual Arts (AVA), Cape Town.
1991: 48th African National Congress National Conference, Durban.
1988: Human Rights Conference, Port Elizabeth.
1988: Artists for Human Rights, Durban.
1988: Documentary Photography Conference, Cape Town.
1988: United Women’s Congress (UWCO) Festival, Samaj Centre, Cape Town.
1988: Staffrider 10th Anniversary Exhibition, Market Photo Gallery, Johannesburg.
1987: History Workshop, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
1986: South Africa in Conflict: End Conscription Campaign, Baxter Theatre, Cape Town.
1986: Weekly Mail Book Week, Cape Town.
1985: Staffrider Annual Exhibition, Market Photo Gallery, Johannesburg.
1984: Omar Badsha and Paul Weinberg, (fka) Natal Society of Arts (NSA), Durban.
1984: Staffrider Annual Exhibition, Market Photo Gallery, Johannesburg.
1984: History Workshop, Wits University, Johannesburg.
1984: South Africa: The Cordoned Heart, Carnegie Conference, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.
1983: South Africa Through the Lens: Staffrider Annual Exhibition, Market Photo Gallery, Johannesburg.
1982: We Photograph, Durban Municipal Art Gallery (DMAG), Durban.
1982: Imperial Ghetto, Nuffield Gallery, Durban.
1982: South Africa: Photo Statements, South African National Gallery (SANG), Cape Town. 1982: Creative Arts Society, University of Durban- Westville (UDW), Durban.
1982: Cultural Festival, Allan Taylor Residence, (fka) Natal University (NU), Durban; Bosmont, Johannesburg.
1981: Exhibition, University of Durban- Westville (UDW), Durban.
1980: You Have Struck a Rock: Women and Resistance in South Africa, Emmanuel Cathedral Hall, Durban; Cape Town; Johannesburg.
1978: Some South African Photographers, Durban Municipal Art Gallery (DMAG), Durban.
1972: Omar Badsha, Mahomed Timol and Duke Ketye, (fka) Natal Society of Arts (NSA), Durban.
1972: Natal Contemporary Art, Durban Municipal Art Gallery (DMAG), Durban.
1971: Omar Badsha and Wiseman Mbambo, (fka) Natal Society of Arts (NSA), Durban.
1971: Omar Badsha, David Cremer, D. Wilmot., Nuffield Arcade, Durban.
1971: Arts South Africa Today, Durban Municipal Art Gallery (DMAG), Durban.
1968: NSA Annual Members Exhibition, (fka) Natal Society of Arts (NSA), Durban.
1966: Artists of Fame and Promise, Adler Fielding Gallery, Johannesburg.
1966: Trans Natal Group, (fka) Natal Society of Arts (NSA), Durban.
1965: Art South Africa Today, Durban Municipal Art Gallery (DMAG), Durban.

Group Exhibitions (International)

2009: South-South: Interruptions & Encounters, Justina M.Barnicke Gallery, University of Toronto, Toronto.
2006: Exhibition, University of De Quilmes, Argentina.
2006: Black Brown White: Photography from South Africa, Kunsthalle Wien, Vienna.
2005: Two Lenses – Two Visions – One Experience, The Museo de La Ciudad, Cuernavaca.
2004: Exhibition, Oman.
2002: Amulets and Dreams: War, Youth and Change in Africa, Schmitt Academic Center (SAC), DePaul University, Chicago.
2002: Shooting Resistance, Axis Gallery, New York.
2000: Portrat Afrika, Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin.
2000: African Identities Conference, Adelaide University, Australia.
1993: Images from Africa, African Arts Festival, Denmark.
1990: Omar Badsha, David Goldblatt and David Lurie, Portfolio Gallery, London.
1990: South Africa: Beyond the Barricades, Zabalala Festival, London; Paris; New York.
1988: Exhibition, Alternative Museum, New York.
1988: Children on the Frontline, Symposium on the Survival and Development of Children in the Frontline States and Southern Africa, Harare.
1987: The Hidden Camera, Culture in Another South Africa (CASA) Festival, Amsterdam.
1985: South Africa: Cordoned Heart, International Centre for Photography, New York; Photographers Gallery, London.
1984: Nichts Wird Uns Trennen (Nothing Will Separate Us): South African Photography and Apartheid, Römerhallen, Council of Arts Frankfurt, Frankfurt; Museum für Gestaltung, Zurich; Kulturhuset, Stockholm; Palais Palffy, Austrian Society for Cultural Development, Vienna; and many more European cities.
1983: Omar Badsha and Peter Mackenzie, Botswana National Gallery, Gaborone.
1982: Culture and Resistance Conference, Gaborone.

Curatorial Projects

2003: FREEDOMza, (South African History Online- SAHO, and the Department of Education), Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town.
2002 - 2010: Bonani Africa Photography Festival (South African History Online- SAHO), Museum Africa, Johannesburg; Pretoria Art Gallery, Pretoria; South African Museum, Castle of Good Hope, and other venues, Cape Town.
2002: Amulets and Dreams: War, Youth and Change in Africa, Schmitt Academic Center (SAC), DePaul University, Chicago.
2000: With our own Hands: Fighting Poverty in South Africa, University of South Africa (UniSA), Pretoria.
1988: Children on the Frontline, Symposium on the Survival and Development of Children in the Frontline States and Southern Africa, Harare.
1984 - 1985: South Africa: Cordoned Heart, Carnegie Conference, University of Cape Town, Cape Town; International Centre for Photography, New York; Photographers Gallery, London.
1983 - 1987: Staffrider Exhibitions (with Paul Weinberg, 1983 – 1987), Market photo Gallery, Johannesburg.

Collections

Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town.
Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
Killie Campbell Collections, Durban.
National Gallery of Botswana, Gaborone.
University of Cape Town, Cape Town.

Awards

1996: Awarded scholarship to travel in India by Indian Government.
1995: Awarded scholarship to travel and photograph in Denmark by Danish government.
1993: First prize, Images of Africa, African Arts Festival, Denmark.
1979: First prize, The Sir Ernest Oppenheimer Memorial Award, Art South Africa Today.
1968: Annual award, Natal Society of Arts.
1965: The Sir Basil Schonland Award, Art South Africa Today.

Other Involvement

1990 - 1994: Participated in numerous conferences related to his activity in the African National Congress.
1970 - 1990: Participated in activities of the Natal Indian Congress, and United Democratic Front.
1988 - 1996 Active in Cultural Workers' Movement, including Cultural Workers' Congress, Federation of South African Cultural Organisations, Arts & Culture Development Network, and Ikapa Arts Trust.
1982 - 1989: Founding member, Afrapix Photographers' Collective.
1972 - 1976: Trade Union Movement involvement.

Publications (edited or written by Omar Badsha)

2002: Omar Badsha (ed.), Julia Maxted (author), Amulets and Dreams: war, youth and change in Africa, South African History Online & Institute for Security Studies, UNISA Press, Pretoria. ISBN:9781868882304
2002: Omar Badsha (ed.), With Our Own Hands: Alleviating poverty in South Africa, Department of Public Works. ISBN: 0-620-26994-4
2001: Omar Badsha, Imperial Ghetto: A Way of Seeing in a South african City, South African History Online. ISBN: 9780620270564
1989: Iris Tillman Hill & Alex Harris (eds), Beyond The Barricades: Popular Resistance in South Africa. Photographs by Twenty South African Photographers, Aperture Books in association with the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, New York (photographs selected by Omar Badsha, Gideon Mendel and Paul Weinberg).
1986: Omar Badsha (ed.), Francis Wilson (author), South Africa: The Cordoned Heart. Twenty South African Photographers, Gallery Press, Cape Town & W.W. Norton and Co., New York. ISBN-13: 978-0393303353
1985: Heather Hughes, Omar Badsha (eds), Imijondolo – A Photographic Essay on Forced Removals in Inanda, KwaZulu-Natal, Afrapix. 
1984: Omar Badsha & Roy Padayachee (eds), 90 Fighting Years. A Photographic History of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC).
1978: Omar Badsha, Letter to Farzanah, Institute of Black Research, Durban. ISBN: 9780620040495

Publications (on Omar Badsha's work)

2011: Patricia Hayes, Seeing and Being Seen: Politics, Arts and Everyday in Omar Badsha’s Durban Photography, 1960-1980, Africa: The Journal of The International African Institute 81(4): 544-66.

Links

Organisation Website

South African History Online - SAHO

Profiles

South African History Online
Wikipedia

Interviews

Omar Badsha and Kendrick Foster, 2019
Omar Badsha and Marian Nur Goni, 2009
Omar Badsha and Mary Marshall Clark, 1999 (video) 
Omar Badsha and Mary Marshall Clark, 1999 (transcript)

Publications

 
Newspaper and Journal Articles
 

Home

Africa South
Art Initiative

a collaborative platform for writing art history from below

RESEARCH – Africa South Art Initiative’s research focuses on artists working on the African continent, particularly those challenging or commenting on power relations, unsettling dominant perceptions and frameworks, and/or who have a history of being under-valued by the art world and society at large. Research also focuses on community arts organisations with their roots in the struggle against apartheid. In addition, ASAI provides a platform for publishing research on a wide-range of relevant issues.

RESOURCES – ASAI produces new and necessary resources on art and artists in Africa, and makes these resources accessible, mostly online. Resources serve a wide range of constituents, from students in schools to professionals and specialist practitioners.

ACTIVISM – ASAI’s emphasis on research and resources is rooted in activism, in conceiving of art as both a force for social change, as well as a site of struggle in its own right. Through critiques, discussions and debates, workshops and exhibitions, publications and social media, ASAI creates dynamic platforms that not only produce new resources, but also aim to generate new ways of seeing and doing.

Awakenings Front Cover

About

ASAITeam

 ASAI members at AGM, November 2018

 

Africa South Art Initiative (ASAI) began in 2005, concerned with the lack of engagement by South African artists, art historians and curators with their peers on the African continent. Since then ASAI has begun to understand its role as both a pan-African project as well as an initiative located in the global south. The resources generated by ASAI represent a modest contribution towards the development of discourses rooted in (rather than imposed on) formerly colonised contexts, especially in Africa, in order that a more inclusive vision of international art and art history can emerge, informed from ‘below’. Based at the University of Cape Town since 2008, but not funded by or affiliated to the university, ASAI sees its role as bridging academic and popular discourse, with artists being central to this process.

Click here to read ASAI’s founding statement 

Vision, Mission and Values

Vision

To be a leading research based visual arts organisation, globally recognised for developing an effective website and for innovative projects.

Mission

  • To generate quality resources on art in Africa for educational and professional contexts
  • To provide a platform for current debate and polemics in the fields of art and art history in Africa
  • To serve as a point of contact between scholars and art practitioners across the African continent and abroad.

Values

    • Accessibility & inclusivity: ensuring that our projects are accessible to all constituents & create opportunities for meaningful participation.
    • Relevance: ensuring that our work is relevant for African and developing contexts.
    • Innovation: promoting a culture of creativity, imagination, initiative, resourcefulness & collaboration in recognition of the necessity to share resources & develop innovative solutions.
    • Inclusive africanism: promoting critical engagement with what it means to be African in the contemporary, postcolonial, globalised context.

 

Honorary Patrons

The following distinguished individuals accepted invitations from ASAI to become honorary patrons. Patrons contribute directly to ASAI mostly in advising future projects and supporting ongoing fundraising efforts.

Rasheed Araeen
Artist and Founding Editor of Third Text, London, UK. Publications include Making Myself Visible (1984) and Art Beyond Art (2010). Curated The Other Story: Afro-Asian Artists in Post-War Britain at the Hayward Gallery, London (1989).

Barbara Murray
Independent curator and critic. Former editor of Gallery magazine, Zimbabwe. Curated Transitions: Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe 1960-2004 for the Africa Centre, London (2005); and co-curated Dak’Art, Senegal (2006).

Nkiru Nzegwu
Chair of Africana Studies and Professor of the graduate program of Philosophy, Interpretation and Culture at the University of New York, Binghamton, USA. Founded www.africaresource.com and www.ijele.com . Publications include Contemporary Textures: Multi-dimensionality in Nigerian Art (1999).

Sylvester Okwunodu Ogbechie
Associate Professor, Department of History of Arts and Architecture, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA. Founder and editorial director of Critical Interventions: Journal of African Art History and Visual Culture. Publications include Ben Enwonwu: The Making of an African Modernist (2008) and Making History: African Collectors and the Canon of African Art (2011).

Steven Sack
Director, Origins Centre, University of Witwatersrand. Former Director, Arts, Culture and Heritage Services, City of Johannesburg, and former Director of Cultural Industries, Department of Arts & Culture, South Africa. Curated The Neglected Tradition: Towards a New History of South African Art at the Johannesburg Art Gallery (1988).

 The late Prof Uche Okeke and the late Prof Chabani Manganyi were also founding patrons of ASAI.

Board of Directors

Greer Valley (deputy chairperson). Elected 2024 (earlier served as chairperson, 2023-2024; additional member, 2017-2023).
Russel Hlongwane (treasurer). Elected 2019 (earlier served as treasurer, 2017-19; and chairperson, 2019-2023).
Stephane Huigen-Conradie (secretary). Elected 2024, registered 2025.
Runette Kruger (chairperson). Elected 2024, registered 2025. 
Mario Pissarra (managing director). Appointed 2008.

Note: the above listing reflects the currently registered directors. We are in the process of registering newly elected directors, and deregistering directors who have stepped down from the board (but remain members of ASAI).

Previous Directors
Glen Arendse (2010-12); Farzanah Badsha (2010-16), former secretary; Charl Bezuidenhout (2012-18), former treasurer; Gill Cowan (2008-10); Justin Davy (2021-25); Garth Erasmus (2008-10), former chairperson; Liesl Hartman (2010-12); Nomusa Makhubu (2015-25), former chairperson and deputy chairperson; Mike Mavura (2021-22), former treasurer; Tony Mhayi (2008-10); Dathini Mzayiya. (2008-10, 2015-16); Siona O’Connell (2012-14), former chairperson; Donald Parenzee (2012-14) RIP; Ayesha Price (2014-21), former chairperson, RIP; Tracey Saunders (2008-12), former treasurer and chairperson; Athena Sotomi (2008-10), former chairperson; Lize van Robbroeck (2016-18), former deputy-chairperson; Donovan Ward (2010-18).

Members

Glen Arendse – Artist and musician. Founding member, ASAI.
Justin Davy – Curator. Director, Goodman Gallery.
Garth Erasmus – Artist. Founding member, ASAI.
Thulile Gamedze – Artist and writer.
Randolph Hartzenberg – Artist and art educator. Founding member, ASAI.
Russel Hlongwane – Cultural producer and artist. Director (Treasurer), ASAI.
Stephané Huigen-Conradie – Artist and lecturer, UCT. Director (Secretary), ASAI.
Runette Kruger – Art historian and artist. Director (Chairperson), ASAI.
Zemba Luzamba – Artist.
Nomusa Makhubu – Artist, curator, and art historian. Professor, Michaelis School of Fine Art, UCT. Director, ASAI.
Fiona Mauchan – Designer. 
Anthony Mhayi – Artist and art educator. Founding member, ASAI.
Sibongile Msimango – arts administrator. Coordinator, Goethe Hub.
Barnabas Ticha Muvhuti – Writer.
Mario Pissarra – Art historian. Founder and managing director, ASAI.
Joe Turpin – Artist.
Greer Valley – Curator. Lecturer, Wits School of Arts. Director (Deputy chairperson), ASAI.
Donovan Ward – Artist. Founding member, ASAI.

Previous members
Andre Barnard, Rayda Becker, Charl Bezuidenhout, Gill Cowan (founding member), Michael Godby (founding member), Heidi Grunebaum, Liesl Hartman (founding member), David Hlongwane (founding member), Jill Joubert (founding member), Mike Mavura, Maurice Mbikayi, Dathini Mzayiya (founding member), Siona O’Connell, Donald Parenzee (RIP), Jill Pillay, Ayesha Price (founding member, RIP), Sonya Rademeyer, Tracey Saunders (founding member), Athena Sotomi (founding member), Lize van Robbroeck (founding member), Ernestine White-Mifetu (founding member).

Staff

ASAI has one full-time employee and offers fixed term-contracts (usually for researchers) on a project basis. ASAI is also capacitated by members contributing voluntarily on the board and/or in subcommittees, as well as on specific projects. ASAI is further capacitated through  project-centred paid opportunities for writers, artists, facilitators, photographers and other professionals (these are not listed here).

Mario Pissarra – managing director (2008-). Mario is an art historian and founding director of ASAI. His publication credits include editor-in-chief of the four-volume Visual Century: South African art in context, 1907-2007 (Wits University Press, 2011); editor of the multi-authored Awakenings: The art of Lionel Davis (ASAI, 2017); author of Against the Grain: Sculptors from the Cape (ASAI, 2013); and co-editor of the online journal 3rd Text Africa, published by ASAI. He is an Honorary Research Associate (HRA) at Durban University of Technology, a former  HRA at UCT; and former Postdoctoral fellow at the University of Stellenbosch. He was awarded his PhD from the University of Cape Town for his thesis, Locating Malangatana: Decolonisation, aesthetics and the roles of an artist in a changing society (2019).

Georgia Settler – research assistant (volunteer, 2025)

Londiwe Mtshali – Research assistant (appointed, May 2025)

Scout Fynn – Coordinator (appointed, May 2025)

Previous staff members 
Vanessa Anaya (2013), Andre Barnard (2009-15), Michaela Clark (2017-18), Justin Davy (2015-18), Jarrett Erasmus (2013-14), Thulile Gamedze (2020-22), Gabrielle Goliath (2015), Natasha Himmelman (2013-16), Vivien Kohler (2010-11), Carmen le Roux (2009), Fiona Mauchan (2010-11, 2017-20), Tony Mhayi (2010-11), Jade Nair (2013), Thembinkosi Ncube (2015-18), Tambu Ndlovu (2011-12), Loyiso Qanya (2013), Khumo Sebambo (2020-21), Keely Shinners (2021-22), Theo Sonnekus (2020), Ronnell Swartbooi (2010), Greer Valley (2015-16), Nosipho Vinqishe (2010), Tasneem Wentzel (2017), Ernestine White (2014), Charne Willemse (2011), Scott Williams (2014-18), Jill Williams (2010), Lukho Witbooi (2020).

Previous interns (4-month PESP internships funded by the Art Bank)
Chelsea Barlow (2025), Taryn Jade Benadè (2023-24), Katlego Diseko (2024-25), Londeka Duma (2024-25), Anelisiwe Maphumulo (2023-24), Minenhle Mnxele (2024), Aphiwe Moyo (2023-24), Georgia Settler (2024-25), Ayanda Shabalala (2024-25), Zama Spellman (2024-25), Zenaéca Singh (2024-25), Bill Sithole (2024-25), Joe Turpin (2023-24).

Previous volunteers (this section records dedicated volunteers, as opposed to ad-hoc volunteers)
Siqnobile Mabuza (2024)

Annual General Meetings

ASAI AGM 2022
ASAI AGM 2021
ASAI AGM 2020
ASAI AGM 2018
ASAI AGM 2017
ASAI AGM, 2016
Randy Hartzenberg, Donald Parenzee & Mario Pissarra @ ASAI AGM, 2016
Farzanah Badsha, Nomusa Makhubu & Greer Valley @ ASAI AGM, 2016
ASAI AGM, 2015
ASAI AGM, 2014
ASAI AGM, 2013
ASAI AGM, 2013
ASAI AGM, 2012
ASAI AGM, 2012
ASAI AGM, 2011
Ari Sitas (guest speaker) & Mario Pissarra, ASAI AGM, 2011
ASAI AGM, 2010
ASAI AGM, 2010
ASAI AGM 2009
[Show slideshow]

Funding

ASAI relies on donors for their support for its ongoing projects. Special thanks extend to the following organisations for their commitment to the Africa South Art Initiative :

ASAI is registered both with CIPRO as a Section 21 Company and as a Public Benefit Organisation with SARS. Registration number :2008/004687/08 l PBO

number: 930 027 865

Financial statements

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Press

Writing a contemporary South African Art History – by David Mann

ReCenter, Lookout Hill, Khayelitsha (2007)

Look Out Hill, Mew Way, Khayelitsha

Cape Town | 24 March – 28 April 2007

ReCenter references the centre-periphery debate, specifically questions of Africa’s representation in international biennale, and the need to develop African alternatives. The exhibition was organised to coincide with X-Cape, the fringe programme for CAPE 07 (the international exhibition produced by Cape Africa Platform).

 

 


ReCenter references the centre-periphery debate, specifically questions of Africa’s representation in international biennale, and the need to develop African alternatives.

ReCenter is a verb. To ReCenter is to move away from dominant models, and more importantly, to begin to develop alternative artistic practices, discourses, structures and systems of validation.

ReCenter restores agency at a personal and community level, distinct from ‘decentralize’, which suggests a devolution of power led from the Centre.

ReCenter engages critical issues such as inclusion and exclusion, the in/visible, the un/said and un/heard, power and powerlessness.

ReCenter adopts an ‘American’ spelling. Languages of the ‘centre’ are also sites of struggle. And “enter” implies access.


Ernestine White: Photography and its effects on the viewers perceptions of time, space or place has resulted in my life long interest in observing that which goes unnoticed, the mundane. From the all too often misinterpreted and ignored graffiti like markings on neighbourhood walls, doors and crevices to the ordinary objects which occupy our daily spaces. To the discerning eye there exists moments in which the mundane, the ordinary, has the potential to be transformed into the extraordinary. As an artist the medium of photography has always been an important element in my work. It has served as a tool to document,to serve as visual reference and even to inspire. In my recent body of work titled Banal Illusions I explore the relationship between the camera, myself and my immediate environment in an effort to begin to understand the role (power) one has in altering one’s perceptions of reality. At first glance, the ordinary objects all serve a specific human purpose; they are objects that signify a human presence. By photographing details of objects that occupy the spaces of my everyday environment I attempt to juxtapose the constant tensions existing between my environment and myself.

Garth Erasmus: THRENODY [on the death of Madi Phala] represents a personal station on a quest to develop alternative artistic practice. It deals with presence, absence and placement in the site-specific context of ReCenter. It is conceived as an aural architecture radiating outward from a corner to create a point of convergence, a counterpoint to the visual works present.It is dedicated to the memory of Madi Phala.

Xolile Mtakatya: Basically the work reflects the portraits of so called foreigners in this continent, brothers and sisters, young and old, who South Africans treat in a xenophobic manner, calling them names. To me the basic approach to anyone is to greet, in whatever language the person speaks, getting to know each others culture. Otherwise in Afrika we don’t debate issues that help each other better.The power figure, with hope and fear depicted/ written in different languages, and the power the figure itself has in protecting brothers who cross the borders… it’s unacceptable they are called kwiri kwiri. The horns are laid in the centre of the power figure Nkisi.Horns were used in ancient African times to call people to gather. They symbolize calling upon others to gather, and talk about the challenges that we face.

Mario Pissarra: 55 Centres of Power refers to the official capitals of 53 African countries. The names of these capitals are replaced with the names of the most populous cities of a formerly colonizing power. 55 Centres of Power aims to stimulate discussion on the impact of colonialism on Africa. It poses the question of the relevance of the discourse of decolonization in contemporary ‘post-colonial’ Africa, not least in the visual arts. Whilst seeking to question notions of power, past and present, 55 Centres of Power simultaneously aims to affirm the potential of Africa in developing its own infrastructure.

 



The curatorial concept was discussed with individual artists who proposed particular interventions. New work was produced specifically for ReCenter by Garth Erasmus, Randolph Hartzenberg, Mario Pissarra and Xolile Mtakatya, while Donovan Ward and Ernestine White adapted ongoing work for the exhibition. Pre-existing work by Gerry Dixon and Randolph Hartzenberg (Somewhere/Nowhere) was also included.The walls were painted white to introduce more light. The sinks and wall fittings, floor designs and zinc sheets were all part of the existing infrastructure.

Acknowledgments: ReCenter was resourced by the participating artists. Thank you to the City of Cape Town and management at Look Out Hill for the free use of the space, and for allowing us to paint the walls and to remove some of the fixtures. Thanks to Siyazama, Martin Yongo, and all the crafters and traders who were inconvenienced by our exhibition; to Cape Africa Platform/ X Cape for assisting with marketing; and to Lenore Cairncross for photos.


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ASAI is a non-profit visual arts organisation that generates critical resources on art in Africa.

ASAI’s website serves as an online research platform, dedicated to the development of accessible archives and critical debate.

ASAI began in 2005, specifically concerned with the lack of engagement by South African artists, art historians and curators with the art of the African continent. Since then ASAI has begun to understand its role as both a pan-African project as well as an initiative located in the global south. The resources generated by ASAI represent a modest contribution towards the development of discourses rooted in (rather than imposed on) developing contexts, especially in Africa, in order that a more inclusive vision of international art and art history can emerge, informed from ‘below’.

Based at the University of Cape Town since 2008, but not funded or affiliated to the university, ASAI sees its role as bridging academic and popular discourse, with artists being central to this process. ASAI’s achievements include developing archives on under-documented artists; the publication of the single most comprehensive index of South African artists; and the generation of critical debate on Africa’s preoccupation with representation in the West. Other achievements include the project management of Visual Century, a multi-authored series of books on 100 years of South African art; being selected as a national flagship project by the National Arts Council of South Africa; and being invited by Rasheed Araeen, founding editor of the international journal Third Text, to establish Third Text Africa, an online journal. Most recently, ASAI produced Against the Grain, an exhibition featuring five wood sculptors from the Cape, accompanied by a 64 page catalogue, and DVD.

Africa’s Interlocutors: Lize van Robbroeck in conversation with Sylvester Ogbechie

Lize van Robbroeck & Sylvester Ogbechie, 13 September 2008

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This is an edited version of an email exchange that took place in July 2006. It formed part of a series of conversations conducted for From the Ground Up, the Reader developed for the Cape Africa Platform’s Trans Cape exhibition. Unfortunately, the publication of the Reader was held back indefinitely, as a consequence of the funding shortfall which saw Trans Cape being replaced by the Cape 07 exhibition. The first and latter part of this conversation have previously been published by Prof Ogbechie on his blog, but has hitherto never been published in its entirety.

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On the Need to Consume: An interview with Manthia Diawara

by Jessica Levin Martinez & Michael Tymkiw

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[This interview was originally published in the Chicago Art Journal and is reproduced here with permission from Manthia Diawara.]

Manthia Diawara is Professor of Comparative Literature, Film and Africana Studies at New York University, where he also serves as Director of the Institute of African American Affairs. He has written extensively on literature and visual culture, and some of his best-known books include We Won’t Budge: An African Exile in the World (2003), In Search of Africa (1998), and African Cinema: Politics and Culture (1992). Diawara is also an acclaimed documentary filmmaker whose credits include Who is Afraid of Ngugi? (2006), Conakry Kas (2004), Bamako Sigi Kan (2002), Diaspora Conversation (2000), and Rouch in Reverse (1995).

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“Not Just Another Biennale”?

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by Susan Glanville-Zini (CEO of Cape Africa Platform) and Julian Jonker (Coordinator of Sessions Ekapa), in conversation with Mario Pissarra

The Cape Africa Platform promises to deliver a mega-event that will be “not just another biennale”. The first major element in their plan is a conference, Sessions Ekapa, which takes place in Cape Town from 6-8 December 2005. The conference theme is “(re)locating contemporary African art” and will be followed with a multi-disciplinary “Manifestation” in 2006.

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