ART EXHIBITION REVIEW: Ikhutseng Scenes pop-up exhibition by Vuyo Qrasvu Mayesa

Vuyo Qrasvu Mayesa’s pop-up exhibition, Ikhutseng Scenes, is currently on view at the Northern Cape Theatre, opened on 23 August 2024, features ten evocative works created with oil pastels and mixed media on unstretched canvas. Mayesa’s art offers a vivid portrayal of rural life in Warrenton, with recurring motifs of bicycles and wheelbarrows that reflect the everyday experiences and aspirations of his community.

In his artist statement, Mayesa provides insight into the thematic and personal motivations behind the exhibition. He describes the series as "a scenic art series about my community," aiming to reflect "a common struggle of black communities." Mayesa continues, "With what we have as a community, I used oil pastels on canvas with other works in mixed media, guided by the principles of my initial medium." He acknowledges the influence of his father, Rochester Mafafo's artistic legacy, stating, “I guess an apple doesn’t fall far from the tree...” His hope is that his work, along with that of other artists, will become "a time capsule for the future," preserving the cultural and social narratives of their communities.

Untitled, Oil Pastel on Canvas. Photo Courtesy of Vuyo Qrasvu Mayesa. 

One notable piece in the exhibition features a man with his bicycle upside down, the front wheel resting on the floor as he deals with a tyre puncture. This depiction provides a poignant glimpse into his life, with a house number clearly visible above the door but the property rendered in a suggestive and fading treatment of the pastel medium. Mayesa, like a director of his visuals, directs the viewer’s focus to the immediate scenario, allowing the rest to be completed by the viewer’s imagination. This approach underscores Mayesa’s skill in guiding the audience’s engagement with his work.

Bitter Sweet Taste Of Freedom 2, Oil Pastel on Canvas. Photo Courtesy of Vuyo Qrasvu Mayesa. 

Another significant piece, titled Bitter Sweet Taste Of Freedom 2, illustrates a communal tap beneath a large yellow Jojo tank, surrounded by long queues and wheelbarrows parked as if in a parking lot. Empty 25-litre containers are planted on the ground, moving towards the tap. The title aptly reflects the ongoing challenges faced in the post-apartheid era, speaking to issues such as water shedding, load shedding, and various social ills experienced 30 years after the end of apartheid. This piece powerfully conveys the disconnect between the promise of freedom and the persistent difficulties faced by communities.

Mayesa’s connection to the rural settings depicted in his art is also deeply personal. Growing up in Makotopong, I find a strong resonance with his portrayal of wheelbarrows and bicycles, which were integral to my own experiences. His choice to focus on landscapes rather than buildings, in contrast to his father’s approach, provides a broader and more immersive view of the rural environment, inviting viewers to connect with the scenes he captures.

Beyond his artistic practice, Mayesa’s dedication to community engagement is evident through his work with the Ditshoswane Art Centre in Warrenton. This centre plays a crucial role in offering arts education and creative training to local children and youth, reflecting Mayesa’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent within his community. His work not only celebrates the beauty of rural landscapes but also supports the growth of future artists.

Ikhutseng Scenes is open to the public at the Northern Cape Theatre until the end of August 2024. All works in the exhibition are available for purchase. Interested buyers can contact Mayesa directly at +27 61 970 9545 for inquiries and acquisitions. This exhibition offers a unique opportunity to engage with art that captures the heart of Warrenton and supports an artist deeply invested in his community’s cultural heritage.

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Chepape Makgato is an independent visual artist, theatre producer, arts writer, educator, curator, and researcher. He is the founder and creative director of Samanthole Institute of Creative Arts which leads the Art Focus of Univeristy of Limpopo's FNB Incubation Program. Chepape is a Chief  Curator of William Humphreys Art Gallery, in Kimberley, Northern Cape. He holds a Master's Degree in Fine Art from the University of the Witwatersrand and has exhibited his work locally and internationally. He is currently completing a PhD in the Art and Music Department at the University of South Africa. He is a deputy chairperson of South African Museums Association Central (Free State and Northern Cape provinces). He serves on the panel of Acquisition Committee of ArtBank South Africa. He is the the chief patron of Khehla Chepape Makgato Youth Libraries.