The renowned artist, Professor Zakes Mda, brings his exceptional talent and compelling artistry to the heart of Kimberley with his eagerly anticipated solo exhibition, “Always The Sun,” at the William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG). The exhibition, curated by WHAG’s Chief Curator Chepape Makgato, promises a captivating celebration of Mda’s return to South Africa after an illustrious academic career in the United States.
The timing of this extraordinary exhibition coincides with Mda’s recent birthday on October 6th, marking a significant moment as he presents a collection deeply rooted
in his South African heritage. Mda’s artwork, predominantly inter-textual, features a
dynamic fusion of mixed media such as cloth, acrylic, oil on canvas, collage, and three-dimensional objects. Each piece delves into profound representations of conflicts surrounding work, relationships, and sexuality, while also honouring performance, particularly dance and music, as a conduit for social healing. His mastery in exploring mixed media, including paintings on canvas with found objects and fabric materials, offers an intriguing visual journey. Mda’s style, a synthesis of European expressionist, Brasque-inspired Cubism, lipatrone, and Basotho, embodies a unique and multifaceted approach. Some paintings are influenced by scenes from his novels, intertwining fiction and storytelling, while others interpret characters from his literary works.
The exhibition prominently features the poignant painting ‘Man in Green Blanket,’ a reflection on the Marikana Massacre of 2012. This piece serves as a reminder of pivotal events in South African history and the stark realities that society tends to overlook. Mda’s art becomes a tool not only to evoke emotions but to provoke societal contemplation. The exhibition’s title, “Always The Sun,” reflects the transparency of his art, done openly and brightly like the sun. Mda’s artistic approach, which incorporates impasto texture and the portrayal of figures significant to South African history, delivers a profound resonance. The impasto technique adds depth and a tactile quality to his works, engaging the viewer on an emotional level. Through his artistic expressions, Mda contributes to the broader narrative of South Africa’s complex history and cultural heritage. Honouring influential figures and acknowledging historical events like the Marikana Massacre through art serves as a powerful means of memorialization and education.
The Kimberley community and the Northern Cape will benefit from Mda’s residency
at WHAG, which includes a series of planned events. An upcoming public lecture on
Father Frans Claerhout, a Belgian painter who spent most of his life in South Africa,
is among the scheduled events. Additional events include a master class on creative
writing and a panel discussion on the correlation between art and creative writing. The “Always The Sun” exhibition opens on November 23, 2023, and will be on display until January 23, 2024, inviting art enthusiasts and the public to experience
the richness of Mda’s artistic legacy at the William Humphreys Art Gallery.
About Professor Zakes Mda: Professor Zakes Mda is a multi-disciplinary artist, renowned novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and painter based in Athens Ohio, USA. His diverse artworks have been translated into over 20 languages and have garnered numerous awards. Mda’s paintings are housed in private collections worldwide, and he has held exhibitions across Europe, Africa, and North America.
About William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG): The William Humphreys Art Gallery, situated in Kimberley, Northern Cape, is one of the three national art museums under the Department Of Sports, Arts, and Culture. It boasts a unique collection spanning over seven decades and is committed to presenting world-class exhibitions while ensuring accessibility to the public.
For more information about the exhibition, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 053-8311724/5
Fax: 053-8322221
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Facebook: William Humphreys Art Gallery
Instagram: @williamhumphreysartgallery
Gallery Hours:
Mondays to Fridays: 08:00 – 16:30
Saturdays: 09:00 – 14:00
Public Holidays: 09:00 – 12:00
Closed on Sundays and Good Friday
Closed annually from December 25 to January 1
Gallery Address:
1 Cullinan, Cres Civic Centre, Kimberley
