A group exhibition featuring eight artists: Francois Pietersen | Masindi Mbolekwa | Masonwabe Ntloko | Laura de Harde | Levy Pooe | Matthew Blackburn | N’lamwai Chithambo | Lindokuhle Tshabalala
Nostalgia and Place is an exploration of the intricate relationship between memory, identity, and the spaces we inhabit – both physically and emotionally. Set against the backdrop of South Africa’s rich and complex heritage, this exhibition delves into how collective memory, nostalgia, and the drive for newness shape our understanding of place and belonging.
In the context of South African heritage, nostalgia – the sentimental yearning for the past – plays a powerful role in shaping collective memory. This collective memory, often visualised as an hourglass filtering generations of experience, connects individuals to their cultural roots and societal identities. For many, it serves as a bridge to significant historical moments, such as the end of apartheid or the struggle for freedom, providing continuity amidst rapid social and technological change. However, in a society increasingly driven by consumption, where newness and innovation are highly valued, this nostalgia can sometimes clash with the relentless pursuit of the novel.
Francois Pietersen’s work embodies this tension, using pressed flowers to challenge traditional notions of masculinity within the confines of a conservative Afrikaans upbringing. His art deconstructs toxic masculinity by reimagining symbols of his childhood, urging viewers to reconsider the rites of passage that have shaped their identities. Pietersen’s exploration of gender through botanical elements reflects the broader cultural struggle between holding onto the past and redefining it in contemporary terms.
Dr Laura de Harde’s Symbols of Neutrality series further examines the impact of historical narratives on contemporary identity, focusing on the colonial legacy embedded in mundane objects like postage stamps. Her work critiques the role of these items as tools of national propaganda, prompting a re-evaluation of the quiet yet pervasive influence of collective memory on our understanding of place.
Levy Pooe’s art navigates the intersections of memory, displacement, and the reconstruction of community through collage and painting. His works capture everyday moments within the black social imaginary, offering a meditation on the unmaking and remaking of histories and identities. Pooe’s exploration of black life within a culture that often reduces it to simplistic narratives speaks to the broader South African experience of negotiating the past within a rapidly changing society.
Lindokuhle Tshabalala’s triptych Love, Peace, and War powerfully reimagines people of colour in positions of strength, self-assurance, and cultural pride. His work challenges dominant Western-centric narratives and asserts the dignity of marginalized communities, resonating with the enduring struggle to preserve and celebrate African heritage amidst the pressures of modernity and consumption.
Masindi Mbolekwa’s use of Johannesburg’s loam soil and oil paint creates a visceral connection to the land, exploring the spiritual and emotional dimensions of home. His art grapples with the post-colonial condition of displacement, reflecting a deep meditation on the notion of home as both a physical place and a state of being. Mbolekwa’s work underscores the importance of familiar spaces in grounding one’s identity, even as these spaces evolve or are lost over time.
Masonwabe Ntloko’s exploration of lost cultural heritage and the ongoing effort to resurrect these traditions speaks to the resilience of African identity. Through the imagery of fire, Ntloko reflects on the erosion of spirituality and tradition, while celebrating the enduring resolve to keep these vital aspects of identity alive. His work is a testament to the power of collective memory in forging a sense of place and belonging.
Matthew Blackburn’s still-life paintings evoke a deep sense of nostalgia, drawing from a rich tapestry of South African cultures, wildlife, and childhood memories. His meticulous compositions serve as a reflection on the beauty and complexity of South African heritage, inviting viewers to engage with their own memories and experiences within a shared cultural space.
N’lamwai Chithambo’s art invites us to consider the significance of every human life as part of the broader tapestry of cultural memory. His work emphasizes that each person, no matter how seemingly insignificant, contributes to the collective legacy of humanity. Chithambo’s exploration of heritage as both an inheritance and a legacy underscores the importance of individual and collective memory in shaping identity.
Nostalgia and Place invites viewers to reflect on the complex dynamics between longing for the past and embracing the present. In a culture of consumption, where the drive for newness often overshadows the past, this exhibition offers a space to reconsider how collective and cultural memory, alongside the familiarity of spaces, continues to shape societal identity and individual mental states. Through the works of these artists, we are reminded of the enduring impact of the past on the present, and the ways in which our connection to place and heritage continues to evolve in contemporary South Africa.
