In South Africa, August is recognised as Women’s Month, a time to honour the 20,000 women who, on 9 August 1956, bravely marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in defiance of the extension of Pass Laws to women. This historic event marked a significant stand against the oppressive apartheid regime and remains a powerful symbol of women’s resilience, unity, and refusal to accept injustice.

As part of this year’s tribute to women, If Tea Leaves Could Speak, a ceramic art exhibition curated by Malikah Meyer, celebrates womanhood and girlhood through the lens of a tea party—a setting emblematic of female camaraderie and shared experiences. The exhibition brings together artworks by female ceramicists, exploring the intimate and reflective conversations that occur when women gather over a cup of tea.

If Tea Leaves Could Speak plays on the metaphor of tea leaves left behind, representing the lingering traces of the stories shared and emotions expressed in these gatherings. The ceramic pieces in this exhibition “converse” with one another, reflecting on past experiences, contemplating present realities, and imagining future possibilities for women. Drawing inspiration from questions posed to nine women, the exhibition invites visitors to step into a space where they become quiet observers, catching snippets of dialogue meant for those within the circle—a sister, a mother, an aunt, or a best friend.

The exhibition features 19 works from the William Humphreys Art Gallery collection, housed in the Bonnie Ntshalintshali Wing, named in honour of one of South Africa’s pioneering Black female ceramic artists. Ntshalintshali (1967–1990) made a lasting impact in the field of ceramics and continues to inspire generations of artists.

The list of artists in the If Tea Leaves Could Speak exhibition comprises of Bonnie Ntshalintshali, Melanie Hillebrand, Charmaine Haines, Elizabeth Mbatha, Lindumusa Mabaso, Angela Maskell, Henrietta Ngako, Nompumelelo Tshabalala, Gillian Bickell, Lindsay Scott, Meshack Masuku and Ardmore.

The permanent display in the Bonnie Ntshalintshali Wing also underwent some changes with new ceramics added in. These ceramics showcases contemporary and visually appealing artworks that elevates the display and shows the clear evolution of ceramics from indigenous pots of unknown artists to the European and Asian inspired vases, kitchenware and tea sets.

The list of artists whose works were added to the permanent display comprises of: Carolyn Heydenrych, Drury Brandt, Zulu-Lulu, Katherine Glenday, Juliet Armstrong, Antoinette Pretorius, Delphine Niez, Chris Patton, Thaba Bosigo Ceramics, Heather Mills, Clive Van den Berg, Carol Haywood Fell, Ardmore, Helena De Waal, Querandien van Vliet, Kolonyama and Chris Green.