Femicidal violence, a dark crevasse for South African women
PARKWOOD – Art exhibition on femicidal violence gives food for thought.
The exhibition, It Is Well: An Ode To Karabo, is Johannesburg-based Lebo Thoka’s first venture into fine art photography. The 21-year-old photographer has undertaken to create the body of work as a means to mediate dialogue and action.
The artist was inspired by the scourge and rise in female killings following numerous reports of such cases last year, including the murder of Karabo Mokoena at the hands of her intimate partner. The series hosts self-portraits where the artist pays tribute to South African women who have in some way been subject to such forms of femicidal violence.
The works promulgate the necessity of recognising women as self-existing members of society. “The goal that I had when creating this work was to highlight how I feel or criticise that a lot of stories surrounding women and women’s issues are often only addressed by the media,” Thoka told Rosebank Killarney Gazette.
“I felt as though there are many stories and many situations where women were violated and came to a very negative end. The focus wasn’t more on the value of women in society but rather how media platforms can exploit the horror instead of just trying to prevent [the next trend] and expose the issue. That’s really what I wanted to approach with this entire body of work.”
Thoka appeals to the recognition of a woman outside of a relational context, more specifically away from her relation to male counterparts. Thoka’s portraits realise an elegant and resilient Mary. She is not without embattlement and trauma; yet beats a confident, if not regal, presence. In the midst of calamity and destruction, she remains bold.
Details: The exhibition will be open to the public on 28 February at 6pm at the David Krut Bookstore in Parkwood.
Express your views on femicidal violence by posting your thoughts on the Rosebank Killarney Gazette Facebook page.
Related articles:
Art exhibition to open this April at Halifax Art Gallery in Parkhurst
Indian elephant gets her own art exhibition
