The artworks on show at the "Memory and Magic" exhibition at Iziko SA National Gallery arose out of the !Xun and Khwe Cultural Project started by Catherina Scheepers-Meyer in the northern Cape. Its purpose was to provide therapy to displaced San communities, severely traumatised by events following the Angolan and Namibian wars of liberation.

Today, the project continues to run from the farm "Platfontein", and though initially poorly supported in South Africa, it has always enjoyed great success in Europe.

Thornbush & eland - by Stefaans Samcuia

The imagery of the graphics contain themes which emanate from both the past and present experiences of the artists. Because these experiences were so disparate, images may depict the natural world of animals, birds and insects or the starker manmade world of buildings, war and technology. Carol Kaufmann of Iziko Museums who curated the exhibition states that even though the work is secular, it is "imbued with meaning. Lines are significant, marks symbolic." Explanations of the artworks are included in both the exhibition brochure and accompanying catalogue.

All works on display have been loaned by Hella Rabbethge-Schiller who visits South Africa regularly from her home in Germany and who many years ago developed a fascination for this vivid and symbolic artform as well as a deep respect and admiration for the artists.

The artists themselves will be present for the exhibition's official opening on 6 October. They will also view the giant wall mural at the CTICC created in 2003 by artist, Tuoi Stafaans Samcuia of the !Xun and Khwe San Art and Cultural Project, who famously - and sadly - died before he could stand back and view the fruits of his labour.

The exhibition runs until 4 March 2007.

For further information, call +27 (0)21 467 4660 or Hella on +27 (0)82 420 6640 or e-mail h.schiller@t-online.de

return to press release page>>