FROM THE WOODS TO THE SOIL: Opening remarks by William Humphreys Art Gallery’s chief curator Chepape Makgato
Thanks to one of our wonderful Art Writers in Residency, Khumo Kimati Mcunu for compering this event tonight. We are so proud of you!
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening and welcome to the William Humphreys Art Gallery. On behalf of the gallery, I extend our deepest apologies for the absence of our director, Ms. Nelly Mkhize, who regrettably couldn't be with us tonight. Nevertheless, her spirit of support and appreciation for the arts resonates throughout this event.
Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate the remarkable talent of Jonathan van der Walt but, we stand not only as stewards of artistic expression but as custodians of memory and tribute. With profound reverence, we unveil the reincarnation of the Artist Residency program, a cherished initiative rekindled in homage to the late Dumisani Mabaso. His legacy, an enduring beacon of inspiration, continues to illuminate the path for emerging talents seeking to enrich our cultural landscape.
Moreover, in the Wrestlers Wing of our museum, we are honoured to present another exhibition titled 'WHAG's Artist Residency - A Decade On', featuring works by Sizwe Khoza, Lebogang Sithole, and the late Dzunisani Maluleke. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of Mabaso, who, years ago, invited these three young artists to create, much like Jonathan does today.
What strikes me profoundly about this exhibition is the dialogue between generations of artists. Jonathan's bold request to display his work alongside Anton van Wouw's masterpiece showcases the transformative power of art across time. Van Wouw, hailed as the father of South African Sculpture, inspires a new generation represented by Jonathan, bridging the past with the present in a captivating exchange of ideas and influences.
'From the Woods to the Soil' is not merely an exhibition; it's a profound exploration of identity, heritage, and belonging in a postcolonial South Africa. Jonathan's introspective journey delves into the complexities of his white African identity, challenging conventional notions and redefining cultural narratives.
Van der Walt's journey, a profound odyssey of self-discovery, unfolds against the backdrop of National Heritage Day, inviting us to reflect upon the nuanced nuances of cultural symbolism. In his quest to unravel the enigma of braaiing, he unearths not only a culinary tradition but a profound ritualistic engagement—an act of communion with the self and the soil from which we spring.
Through his multidisciplinary approach, Jonathan uses the braai as more than just a medium; it becomes a symbol of cultural introspection and reconciliation. By incorporating both digital and traditional techniques, he creates a visual dialogue between contemporary self-awareness and ancestral heritage, inviting viewers to confront their own relationship with identity and history.
In this exhibition, the act of braaiing transcends its culinary purpose, becoming a metaphor for the transformation of cultural roots and the process of renewal. It's a poignant reminder of our shared history, marked by colonialism and displacement, yet also a celebration of resilience and adaptation.
As you explore Jonathan's artworks tonight, I encourage you to reflect on your own heritage and identity in the context of a changing world. Let us embrace the complexities of our past as we embark on a journey of cultural reconciliation and reinvention.
Thank you so much, I declare the exhibition open. Enjoy the exhibition and if you are interested in purchasing any of the pieces, talk to us or Jonathan himself.
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