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.

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.

KwaZulu-Natal is a home to many well-known historical sites and landmarks. The province has been a stronghold to several political factions that have shaped South African politics, identities and beliefs. Like its people, the province’s landscape is also diverse, changing from lush sub-tropical Indian Ocean shoreline to the gentle rolling hills of the Midlands and the alpine areas of the Drakensberg and Lebombo mountains.

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.