Exhibition challenges art-making traditions

PICTURE: the artist and SMAC Gallery

An exhibition highlighting how African artists are challenging traditional notions around what materials are suited to art-making will open on Friday February 14 at the Iziko South African National Gallery in Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town.

The group exhibition called Matereality explores different issues and ideas such as climate and environmental concerns; pollution; waste; xenophobia; poverty; beauty; gender and politics.

Artists featured in the exhibition include Athi Patra-Ruga, Patrick Bongoy, Jodi Paulsen, Billie Zangewa, Bert Pauw, Bronwyn Katz, Cyrus Kabiru and Gabrielle Kruger.

These artists explore what is important to them with autonomy and authority, but without losing the material traditions that have been an important part of their nation’s artistic or historical legacy.

Materials used range from cow-hides to plastic bags, bra-straps to pantyhose, and fake nails to computer parts.

Matereality, curated by Andrea Lewis, will run until Sunday August 2. Entry costs R30 or R15 for South African students, pensioners and children.

Call 021 481 3800 or email info@iziko.org.za for more information.