This exhibition sheds light on the many facets of South African art, representing one of the most stimulating, topical and constantly progressing art scenes in the world. Playing with Expectations invites the spectator to look beyond obvious association and challenges the current discourse and perception of South Africa. Its dichotomy of a beautiful pictorial language on the one side and an undeniably dark iconography on the other merge into a richly varied process of transformation, which seems to be a unique feature to the contemporary South African art world. With the political tone of the art works sometimes evident and echoes of the past still detectable, the high aesthetical standard is flawless, creating intriguing imagery which sometimes irritates and fascinates at the same time.
As much as most of these artists draw their inspiration from their homeland, the artworks produced reach far beyond the African context and transfer to issues of international interest such as gender, sexuality, family, relationships, race, corruption and humour, to name only a few.
Playing with Expectations will thus not only provide insight into contemporary South African art but will also examine the artists’ notions on what characterises modern South Africa today and - in consequence - serve as a social commentary on global issues as well. These narratives will build an exciting, broad and certainly thought-provoking exhibition.
AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING FROM 2013-2015
Curator: Katahrina Beisiegel
CATALOGUE IN PREPARATION
Editor: Suzanne Greub
Languages: tbd
Contributing Authors: tbd
