(Work by Manfred
Zylla)
Beyond Binaries is
a curated exhibition at the newly refurbished Durban Art Gallery featuring work
by 26 artists. The exhibition aims to open up discussion on the current climate
of polarization and intolerance, and the increasing trend towards fixed,
essentialised identities.
Beyond Binaries
features works with video, photography, paintings, drawings, sculpture,
ceramics, wire and mixed media works on show. South African born artists are
complemented by their peers born in African countries as well as artists born
in India, China and Germany. The exhibition has been curated by Qala!, a
fledgling curatorial collective comprising Mario Pissarra, Robin Moodley and
Russel Hlongwane, three Durban-born cultural workers.
Several exhibits address critical questions concerning race,
gender, national identity and heritage. The relationship of people to the
natural environment provides another sub-theme that is prominently featured.
Several exhibits bring binaries into vivid focus, whilst others attempt to
transcend these to create or suggest hybrid, fluid or emerging notions of
identity.
KZN is well represented by a healthy mix of acclaimed and
emerging talents: Cedric Nunn (photography), Sfiso ka Mkame, Mthobisi
Maphumulo, Mhlonishwa Chiliza, Eugene Hlophe (drawings), Paul Sibisi and Nicole
Pletts (paintings), Thembi Nala and Sbonelo Tau Luthuli (pottery), Hlengiwe
Dube (wirework), and Kristin NG-Yang (photography and mixed media).
Bulawayo and Libreville, sister cities to Durban, are
represented by Nonhlanhla Mathe (painting) and Nathalie Anguezomo Mba Bikoro
(video). The exhibition also features Namibian photographer Julia Hango as well
as work by African nationals living in South Africa, namely Lizette Chirrime
(Mozambique), Robert Machiri (Zimbabwe), and Zemba Luzamba (DRC).
Also exhibiting are Ayesha Price, Donovan Ward, Garth
Erasmus, Jeannette Unite, Jill Joubert, Manfred Zylla, Meghna Singh, Nomusa
Makhubu and Thania Petersen.
The artists were selected following a process where 54
artists identified by a curatorial panel were invited to propose works on the
theme of the exhibition.
Beyond Binaries
was originally commissioned by the City of eThekwini for the recent Essence
Festival Durban, where it was exhibited at the International Convention Centre
under the banner of ARTiculate Africa.
The exhibition runs until February 19, 2017. DAG is on the
second floor of the Durban City Hall (enter opposite the Playhouse). For more
information, contact the Gallery on 031 311 2264/9 or Jabu.Mngwengwe@durban.gov.za
(weekdays).
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