“I decided to go back and look through where I come from, and what materials and mediums they used at home that I could actually use and expand on.”

While being home in 2020, Kutlwano Monyai saw she could make use of plastic to create artworks, as her mother and grandmother have been doing for years.

Her debut solo exhibition in the Annex Gallery is called Lefeloboiketlo (A Place of Rest) where she draws inspiration from her upbringing, domestic, cultural, economic and environmental, to tell the stories of her maternal lineage.

Kutlwano Monyai and friend Kgomotso Dintlhoane. Picture: Casey-Lee Anthony

Upon entering the museum in the main building you enter one-third of the exhibition showcasing Learning Through Art: The Museum As Classroom.

“This exhibition is centred around the Visual Arts curriculum for learners in Grades 10 to 12 and encompasses a wide range of topics, with a particular focus on socio-political issues, gender issues, South African artists inspired by African art, as well as digital art and new media,” said Education Officer Natley Barnardo.

Each section of the gallery speaks to the different themes mentioned and is centred around various artists.

Art by Nomusa Makhubu in the Learning Through Art exhibition. Picture: Casey-Lee Anthony

The third exhibition in the Reservoir, presented by Acting Assistant Project Manager Yolanda de Kock, draws its title and inspiration from a poem written by William Ernest Hently in 1875, ‘Invictus’, which is a beacon of hope that resonated deeply with Nelson Mandela during his 27-year imprisonment.

The artworks selected for this exhibition aim to cultivate hope, reconciliation and nation-building, to honour the unconquered spirit of South Africa through the transformative power of art.

“While Invictus – Spirit of Democracy doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truths of contemporary South Africa, it also celebrates moments of pure joy and breathtaking beauty,” said Yolande.

The Invictus exhibition in the reservoir. Picture: Casey-Lee Anthony

These artworks will be on display from Wednesday (3/7) until August. All who enjoy artwork are invited.

Walkabouts for each exhibition will be held as follows:

• 3 July at 11:00 for Lefeloboiketlo (A Place of Rest)
• 4 July at 11:00 for Learning Through Art: The Museum As Classroom
• 5 July at 11:00 for Invictus – Spirit of Democracy

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony cg