A showcase of the best South African and Francophone comics, currently on show at the Johannesburg Art Gallery until 17 November, will be used to explore the future of comics in the final weeks of the exhibition.
Since it opened on 19 September, The Art of Comics Exhibition has been pulling in audiences. It looks at the fine detail, subtle nuance and rich tapestry that can be found in South African and French-speaking comics today.
Muhammad Hussain of City Press said, “Walking out of the exhibition, one feels at ease with life and [feels] a renewed sense of inspiration.”
Carlos Amato from the Sunday Times described it as ‘a brilliant exhibition’.
A collaboration between the Johannesburg Art Gallery, the Embassy of France in South Africa and the French Institute of South Africa, The Art of Comics completes its gallery run and workshop programme on 17 November this year.
The November programme, entitled Beyond the Page, looks to the future of comics with workshops featuring artists Loyiso Mkize – author of Kwezi, Kay Carmichael – the artist behind webcomic Sophie Giant Slayer and Mogorosi Motshumi – author and cartoonist of The Initiation.
While looking at the many forms comics can take and the practical side of creating comics, all three artists will also address the future of comics.
The educational side is a very important aspect of this exhibition. Many workshops for both adults and children were successfully organised on various topics, from the history and techniques of comics to virtual reality comics and animation.
An educational supplement designed in collaboration with artist and cartoonist Nas Hoosen was distributed to all learners who participated in the workshops.
Total South Africa is a big supporter of the educational side of the exhibition, they organised a special school programme throughout October, and have sponsored and hosted 800 learners from primary schools selected from the Central District in Soweto. The learners are treated to The Art of Comics exhibition tour and culture experience, including a workshop about the production of comical art.
“As Total, we believe that the development of artistic talent needs to be nurtured from a young age, and as part of our strategy, we embark on these experiences with young learners in the hope that they will be inspired to create artistic pieces and perhaps realise their talent and even build careers out of this experience,” said Nyameka Makonya, corporate social investment manager at Total South Africa.
November Programme:
- Sunday 10 November – Johannesburg Art Gallery: Character development workshop with Loyiso Mkize (10am–12pm); Story-boarding workshop with Kay Carmichael from (12pm–2pm)
- Sunday 17 November – Johannesburg Art Gallery: Public Walkabout: Last walkabout with the curators before the closing of the exhibition (11am–12pm);
- Workshop with Mogorosi Motshumi: Comics: From an Idea to Completion (12pm–2pm)
- Ongoing programming: Guided tours can be booked on request.
Details: Johannesburg Art Gallery Colin Groenewald 011 725 3130/113; colin.groenewald@gmail.com
Related article:
