Cape Town - With June known to be a historic youth month, a new academy, Muholi Art Institute that provides young artists mostly from disadvantaged communities with opportunities, will host its very first art exhibition, Imizuzu ‘Moments’.
The institute based in Roeland Street was established in February this year with the aim of creating a space for young upcoming and established artists to produce art that addresses issues affecting them on a personal and societal level.
Muholi Art Institute also has a residence where it accommodates young people from other provinces, and gives them a space to paint.
It is the brainchild of well-known visual artist, activist and photographer professor Sir Zanele Muholi.
“One thing that Professor Muholi always says is that ‘once somebody gave me a golden opportunity,’ hence Muholi awarded about 20 students with scholarships to study at the Cape Town School of Photography,” said Ledinia Pienaar.
“This exhibition is Muholi’s way of giving another young person from a rural or disadvantaged place an opportunity. Some of the artists are from Durban, Eastern Cape and also Khayelitsha. That is why even the institute was founded under that principle and foundation -- for young people from across the country to get a space to showcase their talent and the artwork,” said Pienaar said.
Curater Nompumelelo Rakabe said visitors could expect various art forms including photography, paintings, installation and poetry.
“The show aims to commemorate the Youth of 1976 and to celebrate those identifying as youth.
“Imizuzu is a platform that shows us how far we’ve come as a country. With the majority of the artists being black youth from different backgrounds, this exhibition will be a true reflection of democratic South Africa and will commemorate the Youth of ’76 in an artistic light,” said Rakabe.
The art exhibition is expected to start from this Friday until June 30 at the institute, 62 Roeland Street.
Cape Times