Local art exhibition puts spotlight on human injustices
Currently on exhibition is an artist's work which she describes as a commentary on the diaspora and displacement of peoples, belongings and artefacts. She is currently exploring the use of discarded objects as part of a visual language to express the theme of ‘lost and found’.
AVERTING Gaze is an interdisciplinary exhibition at the KZNSA main gallery hall that examines the lenses worn as internet scrollers and mass consumers. The artists link environmental, humanitarian, and social malpractices to the role that is played by all, in a supply-and-demand chain of events.
“Are we acknowledging our part in the increased statistics of global trends such as human trafficking and neo-slavery?” asked Vas Putter, artist and concept creator of the project that is supported by The National Arts Council of South Africa in partnership with the Hong Kong Arts Development Council.
“Almost every environmental disaster, humanitarian crisis and the act of warfare is rooted in geo-political trade routes or negotiations, resulting in poor production methods, no accountability for low labour standards and blinkered consumer choices.”
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She has invited local creatives to participate, thereby challenging themselves to rethink their traditional methods and mediums to express what is missing in society and the spaces around them. Participating creatives are Suraya Tewary, Ann-Marie Tully, John Roome (Art Print Studio KZN), Sinethemba Nzimande, LucaVanCharli, Mervyn Pollitt, Sankree Padayachee and Helgé Janssen.
The opening night drew a large crowd that was also treated to a performance art piece. It was opened by guest speaker Professor Nalini Moodley, Executive Dean of Tshwane University of Technology, Faculty of Arts & Design. Moodley, formerly from Durban, is an active ambassador for art as activism. She spoke about the importance of supporting such artists as they speak out against GBV and environmental issues.
Join Putter and some of the artists this Saturday, February 1 at 10am for a gallery walkabout, where they will share their processes and thoughts on each artwork. The exhibition will be on display at the KZNSA main gallery hall, 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood until February 16.
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