Currently running at the KZNSA Gallery is #HappyInSchool, a project and exhibition
that works with grade eight learners in seven secondary schools in Umlazi,
KwaMashu, Verulam and Tongaat, Durban. The project engages with these learners
by partnering with educational NGO OneVoiceSA. (OVSA).
Central to the exhibition is the question “What will make me
happy in the future?” Through a series of participatory workshops the learners
and OVSA facilitators explore visualisations of a ‘happy’ future through the
technique of image theatre. Groups of learners create dramatized images using
improvised props and costumes to depict their dreams and aspirations. Captured
by photographer Harry Lock these ‘dioramas’ provide an uplifting series of
group portraits.
Happy in School was inspired by the worldwide phenomenon of
Pharrell Williams’ smash hit music video Happy.
The song and www.wearehappyfrom.com
has become a cultural trend synonymous with changing an emotion into an action.
Learners from Zwelibanzi High School in Umlazi choreographed their own version
of the Happy song and the video forms
part of the exhibition. #HappyInSchool joins Over 2000 communities from 153
countries who have thus far created their own version of Happy.
June is Youth Month and the project sets out to highlight
the importance of young people having a voice as an instrument for change; and
a means to explore issues of human rights, gender equity, cultural diversity
and specifically, nation building. In all of the workshops and activities,
young people’s practice of rights and responsibilities was highlighted to
support them in becoming active participants in the realisation of these
rights.
Young people need to be recognised as active rights holders,
who have the capacity to become full and responsible citizens. Youth engagement
on health and lifestyle issues, now and in the future, is vitally important for
South Africa at this stage in its democracy.
#HappyInSchool is
a project of the KZNSA’s Social Art Programme 2014/15 supported by the National
Lotteries Distribution Trust Fund.
The NLDTF relies on funds generated by the National Lottery
and its aim is to see that the grants
made will make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those
more vulnerable. The NLDTF is dedicated to improving sustainability of the beneficiary
organisations it funds.
#HappyInSchool was
developed by Independent Arts and Culture Activator Bren Brophy in partnership
with the schools facilitators from OVSA and photographer Harry Lock with
mentorship training by education and health specialist Dr Emma Durden.
The exhibition runs until June 28 in the Main &
Mezzanine Galleries of the KZNSA
Gallery at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban. More information on 031 277 1703,
fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or visit www.kznsagallery.co.za
In the Park Gallery is
a moving videography installation curated by visiting French visual artist
Delphine Colin, “The Poetry of Bodies/Poésie des
Corps” that brings a fresh international feel to the Gallery complex.
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