The Standard Bank Gallery is hosting ‘Lumières d’Afriques’ meaning, ‘The Light of Africa’ – a travelling exhibit showcasing works by artists from each country on the continent.
Having traveled to several locations in both Europe and Africa, the exhibition has found its way to South Africa, where the question of energy generation and power is constantly alive – with the woes of Eskom and insistent load shedding do not let us rest easy as a country.
Standard Bank Gallery Head Curator, Dr Same Mdluli says, “There can be no progress without energy, without electricity, when you think of the African context, this has consequences in the ways in which economies develop, in the way in which society progresses…”
As one walks through the gallery, you get a sense of the different struggles each country faces, ever so slight yet specific. You see evidence of the aspirational, the tumultuous and the celebratory.
This exhibition is a slice of insight, helping you as the viewer to gain a bit more understanding and perspective, but also letting you know that you are a viewer, a witness, a silent participant in the world showcased before you.
Chief Executive at Standard Bank Group Sim Tshabalala says, “ The arts in Africa are a powerful expression of our continent’s creativity and play a valuable part in allowing our voices to be heard, understood and valued throughout the world.”
Video: Interview with gallery curator Dr Same Mdluli
Africa looking ahead through the Arts
The artwork, showcased at Lumières d’Afriques, illuminates the lives of Africans and is a postcard to the world, speaking of the journey Africa has walked, the journey Africa is on and the expansive possibilities in Africas’ future.
Initiated by African Artists for Development (AAD) in 2015, the exhibition is premised on the idea that the 21st century belongs to Africa and reflects on challenges faced by the continent and the possibilities in the development of Africa.
Chairperson of the AAD, Gervanne Leridon says that since the inception of the touring Pan-African exhibition, it was clear that South Africa would be a destination.
She says, “Not only does South Africa boast a thriving art scene, but it is a long-standing leader in democratizing access to energy.”
Mdluli adds to this saying, “There is no better time than now for the South African leg of the exhibition.”
She says, “The power of such exhibitions is how they relate to their context in whatever shape, size or format, and across different geographical locales – especially in how they touch on critical socio-political and economic themes.”
The exhibit features works in a wide range of media, from painted and photographic works, to assemblage, textile, and sculptural pieces. However, they come together uniformly to create a poignant response to the issue of energy access across the continent.
Lumières d’Afriques Artistic Director, Jean-Michel Champault adds that “As the exhibition travels to one of Africa’s economic capitals, the time has come for the artists of the African continent and their art to gain recognition as major drivers of change and development.”
The exhibition is on at The Standard Bank Gallery, located on the corner of Simmonds and Frederick streets in central Johannesburg and runs from 2 February 2020 – 9 March 2020.
Speeches at the opening of Lumières d’Afriques at Standard Bank Gallery
For South Africa’s @athipatraruga, “Miss Azania” evolves as a signifier of national pride. See how SB Young Artist 2015 for Performing Arts expands on the idea of “light” in this video for #LumieresDAfriques: https://t.co/rjR9uJ8mEB pic.twitter.com/Sl58zuFgys
— Standard Bank Arts (@StandardBankArt) March 5, 2020
“How can there be darkness and no light in a continent where the sun never ceases to shine?” – @kupeski, Nigerian artist.
Visit the #LumieresDAfriques group exhibition where 54 artist tackle the theme “The Illuminated Africa.” pic.twitter.com/TuJR4QxSBw
— Standard Bank Arts (@StandardBankArt) February 28, 2020
