uMsizi noPende exhibition opens at SAG
The Springs Art Gallery (SAG) officially opened its second annual uMsizi noPende group exhibition on Saturday.
The Springs Art Gallery (SAG) officially opened its second annual uMsizi noPende group exhibition on Saturday.
The exhibition comprises original work from an open call to artists last year.
“The uMsizi noPende Art Project is a supportive network and exchange programme for artists to gain experience regarding their own artistic practice with a focus on visual arts.
“The project was designed to provide professional development for local artists. It is presented by the Isthuli-Sasengweni Arts & Craft Organisation in partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni’s sports, recreation, arts and culture department,” explained Thabo Sekoaila, the curator of visual arts at the gallery.
Out of all the entries, only 16 made the final cut.
The works of Ruan van der Merwe, Khulekani Mkhize, Thabo Modilane, Major Ndlovu, Malwande Ncingi, Khumo Ramaila, Thulani Gankca, Tshepo Hlongwane, Doctor Khumalo, Lea Kirsten, Quinton Lenhert, Simphiwe Fokazi, Thando Ndima, Charles Mamorobela, Bheki Anderson and Vincent Mafisa will be on display until April 28.
Doctor Khumalo (35) from Middleberg, Mpumalanga, was the big winner of the day when he was acknowledged as the most impressive artist of the lot.
“I did not expect to win. I am pleasantly surprised,” said Khumalo.
He said his artwork was inspired by the spate of cases of abuse against children in the country.
“When we were in school, we knew we had to lift our hands to speak to the teacher in the classroom.
“The children have their hands raised because they want our attention. They need us adults to attend to every issue that concerns them.
“It is a cry for help,” he added.
He won R10 000.
The second and third prizes of R4 000 and R2 000, respectively, were also awarded.
All of the artists involved received certificates of participation.
The emphasis of this show is to promote new work and talent and to profile the Springs Art Gallery as an art resource centre.
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The SAG aims to raise public awareness of emerging visual artists by providing exhibition space and the chance to meet the artists and see their work physically and online.
The exhibition is part of the gallery’s experimental solo and group series project idea, which focuses on launching the careers of emerging and promising artists.
The exhibition is curated by Happy Mashego and Thamsaga Mfuphi. The opening of the exhibition included a live performance by Woza Africa.
This project was made possible with funding from the National Arts Council of South Africa and the Presidential Employment Stimulus Programme.
