This exhibition has nine seasoned artists who are collaborating to create an immersive exhibition of black portraiture. the artists chose to work with the themes of People and Color, a common feature in all their work.
DATES: 2 APRIL 2023 - 16 APRIL 2023
This leads to further exploration into the criticisms surrounding portraiture and the dichotomy of self-taught and trained artists. An ongoing conversation as the barriers of entry into our industry become more obsolete.
Naturally, more questions arise when discussing these topics, questions about repetition and similarities in artist's work, questions of originality and quality and purpose of contemporary artworks made by black artists. The most important question is why do we get so bothered by it all?
Is there an underlying insecurity about seeing too much blackness in art? So how do we honour ourselves and celebrate our existence without imposing on others or triggering peoples limiting beliefs or appearing self-centered or worse overconfident? The truth is we can't, being SEL-FULL encompasses all of the above. The word "selfless" has left us feeling used and taken advantage of and we choose not to resonate with the word "selfish" because of the negativity it carries.
Being SELF-FULL is a true act of self-love. An unyielding decision to take better care of oneself, to put your needs, wants and yourself first before everything else, to confidently express yourself and your talents, to be more self-aware, to fill your cup first and share what overflows with others without guilt, judgement or shame.
The term SELF-FULL is the perfect way to describe and title a group exhibition of black portraiture. As blackness stands firmly at the core of contemporary culture, portraiture and the representation of blackness in art cannot be viewed as a trend. The saturation of black portraits in the art market is not only intentional, its necessary and corrective in rewriting history for a generation that's liberal and proud to be Black.
SELF-FULL features works by Ennock Mlangeni, Dario Manjate, Greatjoy Ndlovu, Malose Pete, Mandlenkosi Mavengere, Percy Maimele, Thabiso Dakamela, Thokozani Madonsela and Siyabonga Mlambi. The Exhibition is open for public viewing at DK's Project House, on the 5th Floor of Ellis House Art Building, 23 Voorhout Street, New Doornfontein.
