By ZIPO-ZENKOSI
Intense installations, ceramics, powerful oil paintings and sculptures – these are some of the artworks being exhibited by Eastern Cape artists at the National Arts Festival.
The Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture once again presents a collection of artworks by artists from eight districts around the province at the Albany Museum in Grahamstown.
Pragasen Chetty, the department’s manager of visual arts and craft, said that this year’s exhibition was themed: #TheVoices.
“The theme allows artists to express themselves, as the theme allows them to speak about anything from social ills to democracy, anything. The exhibition basically looks at how they use their artistic expressions to contribute to unity and social cohesion, and our artists have not disappointed,” said Chetty.
One young artist from the province whose work is prominently featured in the exhibition is Lovedale art lecturer Sonwabiso Ngcai.
His work depicts his life’s journey living as a twin, an installation that was featured at the Ann Bryant Art Gallery in East London.
Ngcai said the platform offered hope and inspiration to the present generation of young people.
“This is a really great space for budding artists – you must remember some of these artists are not even professional yet but this exhibition will see some of them selling their work and to even just see your signature out there on your work, I think will be a great confidence boost and encourage all of us to work harder,” said Ngcai.
He said there were some really good artworks but there was always room for improvement.
“This exhibition also serves as the face of the province – when tourists come here and see Eastern Cape artists exhibiting we need to make sure that we are really showing them the best of the province.”
Although he had received rave reviews and positive feedback Ngcai said his work was not for sale at the moment.
“I have an ambition to exhibit the whole collection in greater stages out of the province.
“I want to take this exhibition as far as I can to teach people about the diversity of our culture, especially the Xhosa myths, beliefs and rituals that surround the life of twins,” said Ngcai.
Other artists exhibiting include the likes of Michael Barry, Mziwoxolo Makalima, Mthetheli Williams and East London-based ceramist Nosikhumbuzo Jali, owner of Khabane Pottery in Gompo.
l #TheVoices exhibition is on daily at the Albany History Museum foyer. —ziphon@dispatch.co.za
EC artists shine in #The Voices exhibition
Intense installations, ceramics, powerful oil paintings and sculptures – these are some of the artworks being exhibited by Eastern Cape artists at the National Arts Festival.
The Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture once again presents a collection of artworks by artists from eight districts around the province at the Albany Museum in Grahamstown.
Pragasen Chetty, the department’s manager of visual arts and craft, said that this year’s exhibition was themed: #TheVoices.
“The theme allows artists to express themselves, as the theme allows them to speak about anything from social ills to democracy, anything. The exhibition basically looks at how they use their artistic expressions to contribute to unity and social cohesion, and our artists have not disappointed,” said Chetty.
One young artist from the province whose work is prominently featured in the exhibition is Lovedale art lecturer Sonwabiso Ngcai.
His work depicts his life’s journey living as a twin, an installation that was featured at the Ann Bryant Art Gallery in East London.
Ngcai said the platform offered hope and inspiration to the present generation of young people.
“This is a really great space for budding artists – you must remember some of these artists are not even professional yet but this exhibition will see some of them selling their work and to even just see your signature out there on your work, I think will be a great confidence boost and encourage all of us to work harder,” said Ngcai.
He said there were some really good artworks but there was always room for improvement.
“This exhibition also serves as the face of the province – when tourists come here and see Eastern Cape artists exhibiting we need to make sure that we are really showing them the best of the province.”
Although he had received rave reviews and positive feedback Ngcai said his work was not for sale at the moment.
“I have an ambition to exhibit the whole collection in greater stages out of the province.
“I want to take this exhibition as far as I can to teach people about the diversity of our culture, especially the Xhosa myths, beliefs and rituals that surround the life of twins,” said Ngcai.
Other artists exhibiting include the likes of Michael Barry, Mziwoxolo Makalima, Mthetheli Williams and East London-based ceramist Nosikhumbuzo Jali, owner of Khabane Pottery in Gompo.
l #TheVoices exhibition is on daily at the Albany History Museum foyer. —ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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