THE JUMUNA COLLECTION

(Work by Dumisani Mabaso)

Currently running at the Durban Art Gallery is Impressions of Rorke’s Drift – the Jumuna Collection. Curated by Thembinkosi Goniwe, it looks at the phenomenal legacy of the now-iconic Rorke’s Drift Arts and Craft Centre.

The exhibition is made possible through gracious support from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF).

The Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre launched the careers of some of the greatest artists in South Africa. The Centre concentrated initially on weaving and pottery – but these facilities developed into a printmaking studio which attracted artists from all over the country and beyond.

Many of the artists who studied at The Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre have had a major impact on South African art. These artists include Sam Nhlengethwa, Pat Mautloa, John Muafangejo, Kay Hassan, Dumisani Mabaso, Bongiwe Dhlomo, Azaria Mbatha, Paul Sibisi, Lionel Davis and Sandile Zulu amongst numerous others.

The Centre concentrated initially on weaving and pottery – but these facilities developed into a printmaking studio which attracted artists from all over the country and beyond.

It is situated on the battlefield of Rorke’s Drift (1879) a historical site of the Anglo Zulu War. The significance of The Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre is its prints which have made an enormous contribution to South African art.

Regrettably, no formal archive or permanent exhibition of the work from Rorke’s Drift exists. However, the Jumuna Family from Durban has been collecting pieces made in the Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre since the 60s. They have graciously made their family collection available to be viewed by the public. For the first time, the public has a chance to see a significant body of work representing the Rorke’s Drift legacy in one exhibition.

Impressions of Rorke’s Drift – The Jumuna Collection runs until February 2014 at the Durban Art Gallery before touring the country. A series of workshops, walkabouts and events will accompany the exhibition.

More information on craig@kizo.co.za The Durban Art Gallery (DAG) is open seven days a week: Monday until Saturday from 08h30 until 16h00 and Sunday from 11h00 until 16h00. Entry is free and all are welcome! For more info, contact the Gallery on 031 311 2264 / 9 or email: Jabu.Mngwengwe@durban.gov.za (weekdays). DAG is on the second floor of the magnificent Durban City Hall building, enter opposite the Playhouse.