WATCH: Carnegie Art Gallery display cultural heritage through art
The Heritage and Social Cohesion Seminar was followed by the My Mirror Exhibition on Friday, September 15, at Carnegie Art Gallery.
Carnegie Art Gallery presented a two-day exhibition of South African art and culture.
The Carnegie Art Gallery began the exhibition on September 14 at the Town Hall in support of Heritage Month.
A Heritage and Social Cohesion Seminar was held for the benefit of local schools. Representatives from South African Museums such as the Luthuli Museum, Apartheid Museum and Nelson Mandela Museum, discussed the role of their relevant museums in society.
“Museums gather and store important cultural items for future generations,” Curator of Carnegie Art Gallery, Phumzile Dlamini informed learners.
These items, Dlamini explained, planted a seed in the minds of the country’s youth, which was meant to be cultivated.
“We have forgotten our culture, but it is everyone’s responsibility to learn more about cultural backgrounds and heritage. This is why it is important for our museums to collect artifacts, as we need to remember where we came from.”
George Ncalane from Young Explorers of South Africa, encouraged learners to visit historical sights and art galleries.
“Art is a powerful tool which can convey messages of utmost importance. It also reminds us of our history and heritage.”
Through visiting art galleries and historical sites, he explained one could learn how South Africa developed from the days of colonialism and apartheid, to the new South Africa where everyone was equal.
The seminar was followed by the My Mirror Exhibition on Friday, September 15, at Carnegie Art Gallery. Members of the community could embrace their heritage through various artworks on display.
“Our Heritage Exhibition is an annual event, which started in 2015. We decided to call it My Mirror as art is a reflection of who we are and where we are going as people,” Dlamini explained to guests on Friday evening.
Through the different creative styles and varied techniques of art, the idea was to unite the people of Africa.
“We want artists to grow and share their skills and talent with each other,” she said.
Focused on developing the art world within both Newcastle and the rest of South Africa, Dlamini expressed the importance of art.
“Art communicates with people, as each piece shares its own story.”
Mayor Makhosini Nkosi said while many people faced certain challenges in understanding art, it did play a pivotal role in the history, heritage and culture of the South African people.
“It expresses our sorrow, frustration, anger, joy and elation. It assists in social cohesion, bringing people together and expressing values,” said Cllr Nkosi.
He emphasised the importance of people becoming more involved in the art world.
“We must recognise and identify those with artistic skills, so they can transfer their knowledge on to the younger generation,” he said.
Officially opening the My Mirror Exhibition, Cllr Nkosi said he was exceptionally proud of the role Newcastle played in South Africa’s history.
Guests were enthralled by the artwork and soaked in the talent of the artists.
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