Impressions of Rorke’s Drift – The Jumuna Collection
Impressions of Rorke's Drift - the Jumuna Collection, is an exhibition curated by Thembinkosi Goniwe, which looks at the phenomenal legacy of the now-iconic Rorke's Drift Arts and Craft Centre.
Many of the artists who studied at The Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre have had a major impact on South African art. These artists include Sam Nhlengethwa, Pat Mautloa, John Muafangejo, Kay Hassan, Dumisani Mabaso, Bongiwe Dhlomo, Azaria Mbatha, Paul Sibisi, Lionel Davis and Sandile Zulu, among numerous others.
The centre initially concentrated on weaving and pottery, but these facilities developed into a printmaking studio which attracted artists from all over the country and beyond.
It is situated on the battlefield of Rorke’s Drift (1879) a historical site of the Anglo Zulu War. The significance of the Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre is its prints which have made an enormous contribution to South African art.
Regrettably, no formal archive or permanent exhibition of the work from Rorke’s Drift exists. However, the Jumuna Family from Durban has been collecting pieces made in the Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre since the 60s.
They have graciously made their family collection available to be viewed by the public. For the first time, the public will get a chance to see a significant body of work representing the Rorke’s Drift legacy in one exhibition.
The exhibition has been running from September and will conclude on Wednesday, 12 February.
Gallery times: Monday to Saturday from 8.30am until 4pm; Sunday from 11am until 4pm.
