DURBAN artist Nicolé Maurel unpacks all that she is and all things cultural and heritage related in her exhibition Suikerbosie (Sugarbush), which is on at the Durban Art Gallery.
Born in Vanderbijlpark (Gauteng), Maurel relocated to KZN in 2001 with her parents. The now Durban native is active on the arts scene and holds an arts teaching position at Umhlali Preparatory School and is actively involved with community development – like the work she’s done with the Amazwi Abesifazane – Voices of Women Museum.
In this exhibition Maurel resonates her voice and identity as she embarks a political analysis of her Afrikaner culture and identity in the context of us recently commemorating 20 years of democracy.
In a chat with Tonight, she said this brought a new focus to her conflict of love and hate for her roots.
“I wrestled with the question: what does 20 years of democracy mean to me as an Afrikaner?”
The exhibition comprises video, drawings on the gallery wall, sculpture, visual metaphors and ceramics which all feed into the topic.
“I wanted to create awareness and discourse about cultural identity. This exhibition was an investigation of the interrogation of Afrikaans culture and identity, focusing on South African history, where we are now and where we are going, and also reflecting on what’s happening currently, in terms of politics and the social position of the Afrikaner now.”
Holding a firm belief that by sharing our stories we can begin to heal as a nation, Maurel wants to add her voice to the process.
“It’s partly about experiences growing up during apartheid in a patriarchal society, having to abide by the rules and regulations of the Dutch Reformed Church. As a child I had a lot of questions. I didn’t get the chance to be friends with children of other race groups. It was a difficult time for me.
“I would say now, looking at what 20 years of democracy means to me as an Afrikaner and also as a female, I can say I feel free now. I can be friends with whom I want to be friends with, as a woman I can work and do what makes me happy. I don’t have to abide by the rules and regulations of the past.”
Maurel’s overwhelming hope is that her art can contribute to a more positive South Africa: “It’s about moving forward and being free and uniting and joining hands. But, at the same time, it is about preserving memory and history and also learning from our history so that we don’t repeat our mistakes and can move forward.”
At the opening of her exhibition, Maurel’s work created discussion and debate on related matters. Considering recent events in South Africa – from our colonial statue matters to “land grab” issues to the xenophobic attacks – it is hoped the public will view the exhibition and broaden their knowledge of another’s South African experience.
• Suikerbosie ends June 28 at the Durban Art Gallery, 2nd floor, City Hall, Anton Lembede Street. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4pm, Sundays and public holidays, 11am to 4pm.