The art of human rights

AUCKLAND PARK – University of Johannesburg will host an art exhibition depicting how poets and artists interpret Human Rights.

May 11, 2016

Neo Phashe 1 minute read

Kim Berman's art piece called 'Social Fabric.' Photo supplied.

University of Johannesburg Arts & Culture, which is a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) will host an exhibition like no other.

This exhibition of the Art of Human Rights Print Portfolio, featuring works by South African artists and poets, will be hosted at the UJ Art Gallery from 11 May to 8 June.

This print portfolio is Art for Humanity’s (AFH) sixth project and features 29 artists and 27 poets finding their inspiration in the values central to all human rights, as contained in the preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the South African Bill of Rights.

Communications and public relations associate, Zithobile Shabalala said that the exhibition comes as part of AFH’s constitution to promote human rights consciousness by using visual art as a public advocacy medium. “This is dedicated towards cultural empowerment of society, with a focus on the developing world,” said Shabalala.

She added that the portfolio engages on current issues that threaten the sustainability of our democracy, such as racism, corruption, lack of access to healthcare, poverty, inequality, poor education and other socio-economic scourges that remain a threat.

The featured artists and poets include, among others Diane Victor, Kim Berman, Angus Taylor, Judith Mason, Nomusa Makhubu, Berni Searle, Churchill Madikida, Andries Botha, Clive van den Berg, Zanele Muholi, Vedant Nanachand and poets Lebo Mashile, Kobus Moolman, Malika Ndlovu, Busiswa Gqulu, Chris Mann, Myesha Jenkins and Ari Sitas.

Details: University of Johannesburg Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, 011 559 4555.