Art exhibition commemorates Human Rights Day
Art plays a crucial role in reinforcing human rights.
The Arts Company Soweto (TACS), in collaboration with the Springs Art Gallery, hosted the We, the People: An Artist’s Reflection on Human Rights exhibition on March 21. The gallery was abuzz with excitement and good conversation.
“Today’s event is about human rights. The beautiful thing about this event is the artists here are interns. We wanted to give them the experience of being in an art studio and producing art,” said the co-founder of TACS, Thabo Motseki.
“We are tired of people only doing art for exposure. We want artists to be able to make a living by selling their art. In the art space, we have galleries and NGOs, but we don’t have businesses, our job is to fill in that space.”
During apartheid, art played a huge role in giving the oppressed a voice. Artists used photography, music and painting as a form of resistance against the apartheid government.
“Art is important for bringing awareness to human rights. We would not have such collective memory as a country if it wasn’t for the photographers who captured the moments, the musicians who made music about what was happening and people who wrote the books,” said Molefe Thwala, also a co-founder of TACS.
The founder of Gauteng Art for Public Schools, Nyeleti Majuba, says it is vital for all SA learners to receive quality education and have access to art lessons.
“We want all children to have access to the arts. So, if you are a future drama major, for example, we want you to get an art background in primary and high school so you are equipped for a career in the arts industry,” she said.
The artists showcased their art, and guests were treated to an art walkabout, refreshments and jazz.
The artists were awarded with certificates of achievement for their work. One of the artists, Melusi Masike, spoke about how art can give a voice to the voiceless.
“As an artist, I’m not affiliated with any political party or religious structure, so my opinion is based on how I receive the society I exist in.
“We are the pillars of our communities, and we understand being underprivileged when it comes to certain information. We, as artists, can decipher information for society into a more digestible form,” he added.
