The William Humphreys Art Gallery proudly announces an exciting double bill exhibition: “Three Decades of Democracy – Artists Across Generations” and “Reflections – Art Writer’s Interpretation of WHAG’s Collection.” These exhibitions are set to highlight the vibrancy and diversity of South African art, curated to offer both a historical and contemporary perspective.
Three Decades of Democracy – Artists Across Generations, curated by Chepape Makgato with Happy Dhlame, celebrates the remarkable contributions of veteran artists alongside the fresh perspectives of the younger generation.
Born in Soweto, Johannesburg in 1980, Happy Dhlame is a painter, curator, and installation artist. After obtaining a diploma in Fine Arts at Funda Community College, he pursued a three-year programme at École Cantonale d’Art du Valais, earning a BA in Fine Arts. He also participated in the Erasmus scholarship exchange programme to study at École Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in France. In addition to his education, Dhlame has participated in various international group exhibitions and workshops. He curated French and South African exchange exhibitions featuring artists such as Wayne Barker and Nelson Makamo in Nantes, France, and Lausanne, Switzerland. He teaches art at Lycée Français in Morningside, Sandton, and Funda in Soweto and is actively involved in outreach programmes in Pondoland, Eastern Cape, Nquthu in KZN, and the Vaal. Dhlame is also the founder of LINX with Olivier Company, which focuses on cultural exchange between Switzerland and South Africa. He curated a South African and French artists exchange at the French Institute in Braamfontein and later in Nantes, France. During the COVID pandemic, he curated an exhibition titled “Variant” at Gallery 123 in Sandton and a group exhibition titled “Risk More,” a touring experience in various buildings of Braamfontein. Additionally, he curated another group exhibition titled “Variant” in Houghton.
The exhibition features renowned artists such as David Koloane, Vincent Baloyi, Rochester Mafafo, Sokhaya Charles Nkosi, Cyril Manganye, Professor Maake, and Dominic Shabangu. Their pioneering work laid the foundation for contemporary South African art and continues to inspire.
These veterans are showcased alongside talented younger artists including Nompumelelo Tshabalala, Nelson Makamo, Lerato Motau, Asanda Kupa, Minenkulu Ngoyi, Dathini Mzayiya, Lawrence Chikwa, Happy Dhlame, Msa Xokelelo, and Olivier Company. The exhibition underscores the influence and mentorship of the veterans, who earned their formal art education through institutions like the Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre, established in the 1960s. They further contributed to the art community by founding significant institutions such as Funda Community College in the 1980s and Bag Factory Artists’ Studios.
Through diverse mediums such as painting, collage, mixed media, printmaking, and photography, this exhibition captures the socio-political and economic issues that have shaped South Africa’s recent history. From the tragedy of the Marikana massacre to the ongoing debate over Orania, the artworks reflect and interpret the complex and often challenging narratives of the country’s journey through democracy.
Reflections – Art Writer’s Interpretation of WHAG’s Collection, co-curated by Khumo Mcumu and Karabo Tshenyego under the mentorship of Chepape Makgato, offers a unique narrative that delves into the intrinsic value and historical significance of the William Humphreys Art Gallery’s collection. Through the eyes of these emerging art writers/curators, the exhibition invites audiences to engage with the Gallery’s artworks in innovative and thought-provoking ways. WHAG is grateful to the team of arts experts who such as Sean O’Toole, Dr Wayne Florence, and Percy Mabandu who offered the resident art writers valuable skills and knowledge through workshops.
This double bill exhibition not only commemorates three decades of democratic expression in South African art but also anticipates its future evolution. It serves as a testament to the William Humphreys Art Gallery’s dedication to promoting artistic dialogue, celebrating diversity, and fostering creativity in the heart of Kimberley.