Published 19 September 2024 in Press Release
As South Africa marks the 30th anniversary of the country’s democracy, the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP) is excited to present a provocative exhibition titled We, The Purple for its 2024 curatorial programme. This immersive and reflective exhibition centres itself around Pretoria as it navigates the nation’s young democracy and invites audiences to engage with diverse perspectives and narratives.
We, The Purple draws inspiration from Pretoria's moniker, the "Jacaranda City," an ode to its iconic Jacaranda trees lining the streets. The exhibition delves deep into the city's historical and contemporary narratives, including pivotal moments like #FeesMustFall and the 1956 Women’s March. Notably, the exhibition's title pays homage to the poignant "purple rain protest" of September 1989, echoing the fervour of the anti-apartheid resistance.
Framed around topical conversations that mark 30 years since the first democratic elections, We, The Purpleserves as a dynamic platform exploring topics from protest and identity to land rights and spirituality. The exhibition will be explored through themes such as "On Pretoria/To Pretoria," "Tshwane Ra Tswana," "Landing," and "Living School: Artist As..." Each facet of the exhibition promises to spark dialogue and introspection, shedding light on the intersections of art, politics, and collective memory.
The exhibition is guest curated by Johannesburg-based writer and curator Khumo Sebambo, who brings invaluable experience to the curatorial process. Her recent involvement includes collaborations with INSITE, San Diego, as well as contributions to exhibitions such as The Show is Over (2022) at South London Gallery and The 't' is Silent at Museum Dhondt- Dhaenens (2022), Belgium. She has contributed to journals and publications such as ASAI, ArtAfrica Magazine, The Art Momentum, in-review, Something We Africans Got, and ArtThrob. Khumo utilises her base in Johannesburg as a vantage point for reflecting on, considering, and researching new knowledge in contemporary art.
The exhibition features signature works from collections under the custodianship of the Javett-UP, including the Javett Family Collection, the Bongi Dhlomo Collection, and the South32 Collection. These include works by acclaimed artists Gerard Sekoto, Mmakagbo Helen Sebidi, John Mohl, Marlene Dumas, Athi Patra-Ruga, and George Pemba.
The Javett-UP is also grateful for loan contributions from Tshwane based institutions including the University of Pretoria Museums and UNISA Art Gallery. We look forward to showing works by Bonnie Ntshalintshali, Zanele Muholi, and Sethembile Msezane. Additionally, the exhibition includes loaned works by Lerato Shadi, Moshekwa Langa, Sabelo Mlangeni, Thabiso Sekgala, and Nozuko Madokwe from various galleries and collectors around the country.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of public programmes, including artist talks, panel discussions, and educational workshops, designed to foster dialogue and engagement around the themes it explores. This includes the Living School, a multifunctional forum that encourages active civil participation on issues raised by a curatorial project or a current political issue relevant to the socio-political climate.
On view at the Javett-UP until 31 May 2025, We, The Purple exhibition can be viewed from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm, with the last admission being at 4 pm. Admission tickets can be purchased for R85 at Webtickets online, Pick n Pay stores, or on arrival at the Javett-UP reception. Admission is free for children under 6 and all registered students from public universities.
The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria extends its gratitude to Blank Projects, Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History, Goodman Gallery, MAKER Studio, Pretoria Art Museum, STEVENSON, UNISA Art Gallery, University of Pretoria Department of Architecture Boukunde, University of Pretoria Museum, University of Pretoria Art Museum, and Vela projects.