In the era of a rapid global change, South African artists are engaging in profound explorations of identity, cultural heritage and transformation. The ArtbankSA’s contemporary collection presents a remarkable ensemble of works that, while diverse in media and subject matters, jointly examine the complex interplay between tradition and modernity, belonging and displacement, and the artistic individual experience within broader sociocultural contexts.
As South Africa commemorates Human Rights Month, the nation engages in critical reflection on its trajectory from the systemic brutality of apartheid to a constitutional democracy ostensibly founded on principles of dignity, equality and freedom. While the country’s Constitution is rightfully celebrated as one of the most progressive legal frameworks globally, the sober reality for many South Africans remains characterized by persistent structural inequality and unresolved human rights challenges.
The concept of sojourn—encompassing temporary dwelling, the state of “in-between” worlds, and the undertaking of spiritual journeys—provides a critical framework for examining contemporary South African visual arts.
Learning through art: The Museum as classroom aims to serve as a platform for school learners, educators and art enthusiasts to appreciate and absorb artworks and important genres discussed in the Visual Arts Curriculum. Artworks were sourced from William Humphreys Art Gallery, ArtbankSA Contemporary Collection and Oliewenhuis Art Museum’s Permanent Collection, and artworks that are discussed in the textbooks.
This photographic exhibition is curated from Oliewenhuis Art Museum and ArtbankSA’s collections. The exhibition features historical and contemporary moments as seen through the lens of some of South Africa’s most esteemed photographers. The artworks for this exhibition were selected specifically to commemorate a pivotal moment in South Africa’s history: the first non-racial democratic elections of 1994.