October 02, 2023 - November 30, 2023
ESCAP3 Gallery is delighted to present the Group Exhibition: 'Toemaar die donker kom (Hush, the dark is coming)' curated by Dr Moshumee T. Dewoo featuring work by Artists from South Africa, 02 October - 30 November 2023.
Participating Artists Include: Tanisha Bhana, Bernard Brand, Ilené Bothma, Janel Capraro, Annemi Conradie-Chetty & Liefie (Haidee Nel).
'Toemaar, die donker kom (Hush, the dark is coming)' draws inspiration from Ingrid Jonker’s timeless poem: 'Toemaar die donker man', to offer sanctuary to exceptionally talented contemporary South African artists embarked on a quest to unravel the intricate interplay between light and darkness within the depths of their existence.
This is a quest that transcends the diverse mediums through which their art is expressed, to immediately reveal itself as profound psycho-exploration turned into courageous confrontation, illumination then, of that which would rather be concealed – their unconscious, the depths of their inner self, the darker aspects of their psyche as the shadows that linger on the fringes of perception.
This exploration also seamlessly intertwines with South Africa’s own collective darkness, its wounded history, its scarred people, its broken landscape and debilitated structures, all woven between bedsheet and sprawling landfill, mask and face, serving as a reflection on the complexities of South Africanness, much like a softly whispered conversation with the nation’s soul, with the artists serving as gentle companions, the interpreters of the country’s darkness.
Along these lines, 'Toemaar, die donker kom (Hush, the dark is coming)' extends an invitation to viewers to join these artists on their quest, encouraging them to delve into the depths of their own psyche and perceptions to confront the darkness that resides within them (and within us all, in the end, at other times and in other forms). It offers a hand of empathy to illuminate South Africa’s collective darkness, fostering a common exploration of, a conversation in many ways about, the interplay of light and darkness that defines contemporary South Africanness – the country’s inevitable, shared darkness as identity.
'Toemaar, die donker kom (Hush, the dark is coming)' presents a singular opportunity to seek and engage with light piercing through the shadows of consciousness, nurturing both personal and collective growth.
About the Curator
Dr Moshumee T. Dewoo is an acclaimed interdisciplinary scholar dedicated to unravelling the complexities of political emancipation within post-colonial African societies. Her intellectual pursuits span a diverse range of disciplines, encompassing politics, sociology, anthropology, literature, psychology, history, art, and culture, among others. With a remarkable academic journey marked by transformative research, Dewoo stands out as a distinctive voice in African academia.
Her talents extend seamlessly to the realm of poetry, where she masterfully crafts verses resonating with the nuances of African modernity, memory, identity, and human sentiment. This poetic dimension adds a unique and profound layer to her scholarly and artistic contributions.
Dewoo's extensive interdisciplinary background, enriched by her artistic sensibilities and cultural insight, uniquely positions her to celebrate the diverse narratives of contemporary African art.
Image Credit: Ilené Bothma l 'The Sound of Silence' l 2020 l Oil on canvas l 76,5 x 123 cm (Framed)
