Journey of Liberation: South African Artworks from Apartheid to Democracy on Display in Johannesburg

South African artworks created during the apartheid era, now housed in international art collections, are currently exhibited in Johannesburg to commemorate 30 years since the nation’s shift to democracy in 1994. Many of these pieces were taken abroad by tourists and diplomats who had originally seen them at the Australian Embassy in Pretoria. The embassy welcomed Black artists from townships, giving them a platform for recognition and public display of their artworks.

This exhibition offers diverse perspectives on South Africa as seen through the eyes of artists who experienced the country’s most challenging times. It represents ongoing efforts to repatriate African artworks, artifacts, and culturally significant items back to Africa, led by organizations like the Ifa Lethu Foundation, which has already repatriated over 700 pieces, including works by the late South African artist Gerard Sekoto, who passed away in Paris in 1993.

Notable pieces in the exhibit include “For the Children” by esteemed South African artist and sculptor Dumile Feni, along with “Mineworkers” from 1987 by South African artist Mike Khali. Contemporary artist Michael Selekane sheds light on the technical obstacles faced by his predecessors, such as limited materials, costly mediums, and challenging circumstances.

Historically, black artists had minimal access to art education, and throughout their lives, they were often deprived of art supplies, books, and exhibition opportunities. The artworks are thematically grouped into categories like Suffering and Conflict, Dreams of the Future, Leisure and Culture, City of Gold, Whose Land Is It?, and The Beginning. The exhibition will be open to the public until July 31.