Artist James Thomas showcases his work at the Rosebank fire station
Myna, Miner. What's Yours Is Mine is James Thomas; second solo exhibition with Lizamore & Associates.
Artist James Thomas showcased his latest exhibition Myna, Miner. What’s Yours Is Mine at the Rosebank fire station on March 25.
Thomas explained, “The Indian mynah is a well-known bird to all residents of the city. It is referred to as an ‘introduced pest’ and was brought to South Africa at the beginning of the 20th century.”
He added that coincidentally, this was the beginning of the gold rush in Johannesburg and the dawn of a group of individuals who would become known as the randlords.
The artist said the randlords, being the mine bosses, would go on to reap the land of all its gold and acquire vast sums of wealth, all on the backs of the subjugated masses.
“The mynah in these works is the randlord. An omnivorous species with no natural predators, a symbol of a bygone era. Their legacy hovers over the empire of Johannesburg that once belonged to them.”
Thomas noted that Johannesburg appeared to be a fallen empire, with its crumbling infrastructure, decaying monuments and rampant poverty.
“However, as far as I can see, there is hope. Johannesburg serves as a budding bastion for the young South African. A place, like before, that promises great prospects. Although this time around, these prospects are available to all. Despite the looming shadow of the once mighty mynah.”
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