The Diptera, or True flies, are one of the most diverse groups of insects with over 160 000 species known to science (Evenhuis & Pape 2025). However, if you ask a person on the street how many flies there are they typically answer with “too many” and can usually name about five: house flies, blow flies, mosquitos, crane flies (usually wrongly assumed to be long-legged mosquitos) and horse flies.
Introduction
South Africa’s contemporary art scene is a vibrant reflection of its diverse cultural and social landscape. Black female artists, in particular, have played a critical role in redefining artistic narratives, often addressing issues of identity, gender, social justice and historical memory. The Art Bank of South Africa (ArtbankSA), established in 2017 under the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, is instrumental in fostering and supporting these artists.
The Tristan da Cunha Archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean comprises Gough Island, Tristan da Cunha, Nightingale Island, and Inaccessible Island. Gough Island, located about 350 km from the other islands, is approximately 2,700 km from Cape Town, South Africa, and 3,200 km from South America, making it one of the world’s most remote locations.
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.