By Carol Brown
The exhibition curated by Carol Brown (Art Route Joburg representative) and Zinhle Khumalo of Curate.A.Space showed perspectives by three Veteran artists, Thami Jali, Thokozani Mthiyane, and Sue Clark as well as three young artists, Thalente Khomo, Thembi Mthembu and Mfezeko Gumada. Showing this multi-generational group together gave a sense of the depth of contemporary art in 2022.
One eye doesn’t give proper depth perception. In order to balance and walk you need two eyes. Looking through both gives you a sense of the nuance and complexity of the world. The title of “Binocular Vision” interrogates this.
The veteran artists of this group are those who have been exhibiting and working successfully for many years and experienced changes both in techniques and mind sets. Each has developed their own artistic identity whilst living through many of South Africa’s metamorphises.
Their work has evolved into contemporary expression without forsaking their particular styles and histories.
Showing them alongside relatively new artists allowed us to appreciate shifting visions in which personal identity is an important element in art practice.
The exhibition was held in the pop up venue of Upstairs at Bamboo gallery and, Curate.A.Space, which originated in Durban some 14 years ago, plans to hold regular exhibitions and workshops in a variety of spaces in Joburg.
A feature of the show this week will be the creation of an Abstract Expressionist painting on a large canvas performed by internationally and locally renowned artist, Thokozani Mthiyane.
