NEWCASTLE – The Carnegie Art Gallery, together with the Department of Arts and Culture, will celebrate the heritage of the country.
Igugu lesizwe – Our Pride, curated by Phumzile Dlamini and Eric Kubheka, will open on September 16 at the Carnegie Art Gallery.
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The exhibition will commence together with the Chief Albert Luthuli photographic exhibition, based on the life and history of Chief Luthuli. This exhibition is curated by Vusi Buthelezi.
Purpose of Igugu lesizwe art exhibition
“The concept and theme are linked to the different types of heritages from the past, present, and the future. The exhibition is intended to benefit people of all ages, and to build a nation by educating and empowering people about the importance of preservation and protection of aesthetic South African heritage, which is unique compared to the rest of the world.”
The main objective
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It is to make society understand the significance of heritage, especially, within the art industry and its role in boosting the economy through tourism and solving social ills. The exhibition will open doors for artists, who will be recognised and will receive exposure, both locally and internationally.
Approximately 20 visual artists from different backgrounds will showcase a variety of artworks, sculptures, paintings, textile, and bead-work. The exhibition will also include performing art such as fashion design, music and poetry, with a walkabout and presentations for teachers, schools and visitors.
“We would like the artists’ concepts and expressive creativity to be supported, making sure the art industry is boosted for future generations.”
Travelling exhibition
Chief Albert Luthuli’s Soldiers: In Preparation for the New South Africa – Amasotsha Ka Luthuli: Ukulungiselelwa Kombuso Omusha.
Introduction
This exhibition demonstrates and depicts the leadership style of Chief Luthuli, and his influence. It is meant to be a travelling exhibition that will be mounted in communities which show an interest in his legacy, particularly Newcastle, which is where his career as an educator began.
Aims of the exhibition
The exhibition is to educate people about the role of Chief Luthuli, and the long lasting influence which led to a non-violent transition to the new democratic South Africa.
Exhibition description
The exhibition depicts the categories of society Chief Luthuli worked with.
It is inspired by the song sung by members of the liberation movement, who served under Chief Luthuli. The song is entitled Singama Sotsha Ka Luthuli (We are Luthuli’s Soldiers) which was popular within South Africa and continued to be recorded in exile.
The exhibition depicts selected old pictures from archives and newspapers. Chief Luthuli mobilised and worked with all categories of society; urban and rural, women, youth, working class, professionals as well as the masses.
Both exhibitions will take place on Friday, September 16 from 5pm. There will be a fashion show from 10 am to 4pm
Art and crafts will be sold at the gallery, and entrance is free.
For more information, contact curator, Phumzile Dlamini or museum assistant, Eric Kubheka on 034 3287622.
