It is usually assumed that the narrative that comprises history is constructed by historians using an array of source materials, usually of an archival nature. This exhibition will explore how artists similarly construct the story of history through their art, frequently, but not always, drawing on similar archives and sources.
The word “history” is sometimes broken into the terms historyn and historye by historical theorists to differentiate history as a written narrative and history as an unfolding series of events. By focussing on the former this show will question established narratives, present private and seemingly inconsequential historical moments and ask the viewers to question their assumptions about what constitutes a historical truth.
Gavin Younge will present images from his personal archive when two artists, then unknown students, reacted to the historical events unfolding around them. Alan Taylor, a veteran newspaper photographer will display hitherto hidden gems from his collection of photographs documenting the history of South Africa. Richard Chauke will present sculptures of Jan van Riebeeck, Cecil John Rhodes and Nelson Mandela, and in juxtaposing them ask which of their visions will dominate historically.
Artists in the show include Wayne Barker, Richard Chauke, Charles Maggs, Catherine Ocholla, Lauren Palte, Alan Taylor, Maria van Rooyen and Gavin Younge.
The show will be curated by Andrew Lamprecht, who lectures in Fine Art at University of Cape Town.
46 Lower Main Road
Observatory
Cape Town.
