Unisa online - Artworks inspired by the Black Consciousness Movement

The exhibition entitled "An evolving consciousness", which will be hosted by the University of South Africa Gallery was first staged at the Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) in November 2009. The present reincarnation of the exhibition draws from the holdings of both institutions.

Through this exhibition, the curator intends to demonstrate that whether it is figurative or non-representational work, whether it is overt or subtle, a significant number of the works by Black artists in South Africa, especially from the 1970s to the early 1990s, does comment on the Black condition and are directly or indirectly influenced by the ideas espoused by the Black Consciousness Movement. This exhibition is a conceptual and spatial evolution from the exhibition hosted by the JAG with the addition of works from the Unisa Gallery.

The word "evolution" also represents the changing forms of visual representation of self-identity by Black artists from the early 20th century, through the era of the BCM and into the present. As a philosophy that sought not only to liberate Africans politically and economically, but also psychologically, exponents of the BCM encouraged cultural production and intellectual output. In South Africa, it was the adherents of the BCM that first recognised the importance of culture in waging the war against Apartheid and racial discrimination.

The result was an intense atmosphere of creativity that was fed by writers, musicians, theatre practitioners, artists, poets and political activists that produced an immense body of works that still reverberate through the cultural production of our time. In the new democratic dispensation, much of the legacies of Apartheid remain in place, including poverty and alienation. For this reason, there has been renewed interest in the philosophy of Black Consciousness and its most popular figure, Steve Biko. Recently published books include, Biko lives!, edited by Mngxitama, Alexander and Gibson, as well as We write what we like: celebrating Steve Biko, edited by Chris van Wyk.

The exhibition is open for public viewing until 30 April 2010, Tuesdays to Fridays, from 10:00 to 16:00. For more information, please contact the Gallery (012 429 6823; ukun1@unisa.ac.za).

*Press release issued by the Unisa Art Gallery