UP FRONT GET YOUR ART FIX HERE: JOBURG CONTEMPORARY ART FOUNDATION
human worlds meet. The animal-
“The significance of an
human hybrid figures represent
exhibition of black women artists
the second world of the exhibition.
in the context of current world
The Joburg Contemporary Art
Hybridity refers to the mingling
events is more relevant than ever,”
Foundation (JCAF), the most
of species, races or cultures, a
says Clive Kellner, the Executive
exciting new addition to the
crossing of one thing with another.
Director of JCAF and curator
city’s art scene, has opened its
These figures are both abject and
of the exhibition, “as issues of
inaugural exhibition, which is
beautiful. This uncomfortable
race and gender have become so
available to view by appointment.
ambivalence is meant to provoke
Contemporary Female Identities
a response in the viewer,
in the Global South (on until 30
who must consider the
January 2021) explores multiple
relationship between
constructions of female identities
themselves and
understanding
by five women artists, Bharti Kher
other, different
our national,
(India), Nandipha Mntambo (South
subjectivities. In
communal
Africa), Wangechi Mutu (Kenya/
the third world
and individual
USA), Shirin Neshat (Iran/USA)
of the exhibition,
identity
and Berni Searle (South Africa),
the viewer is
formations.”
whose practices are embedded in
reminded that the
JCAF has
the Global South. This exhibition
body is real and
proposes a realm in which these
embedded in race,
subjects explore worlds of their
religion and identity.
own choosing, in which they might
The exhibition design
be mother, martyr, warrior or
presents three otherworldly
hybrid. The exhibition is divided
or dreamlike spaces, connected by
into three areas or worlds. The
metaphorical ‘bridges’ that draw
www.jcaf.org.za to view a virtual
first is configured around the Fall,
attention to the constructedness of
tour of the exhibition and for
a realm where the natural and
the exhibition environment.
further information.
politicised and polarised, hybridity may represent a productive line of enquiry for
COVID-19 safety protocols in place. Entrance to JCAF is free to the public and bookings can be made online. Visit
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SILVER DIGEST // SPRING 2020
