Art in a time of repression - 3 new exhibs:  2. Cyprian Mpho Shilakoe Revisited

"Cyprian Mpho Shilakoe Revisited" opens at Iziko SA National Gallery on 15 May. Curated by Jill Addleson, formerly of the Durban Art Gallery, the exhibition includes works on loan from private and public collections in South Africa.

Born in 1946, Shilakoe studied at Rorke's Drift in KwaZulu Natal. As the chief training ground for many exceptional artists, Rorke's Drift provided a platform for black artists at a time when apartheid denied them formal education in fine art.

Shilakoe, who died young and tragically in 1972, concentrated on etching rather than the more popular linocut. However, in 2005, an invaluable discovery was made when Shilakoe's sister revealed that a number of his works were stored at the family's home - closed for 20 years - in Dennilton, near Bronkhorstspruit. Jill Addleson and Philippa Hobbs, Curator of the MTN Art Foundation, later discovered eight early works never before seen, including two extremely rare clay sculptures by Shilakoe.

The exhibition provides an opportunity of seeing these works for the first time, together with prints, scultpures and paintings.

MTN is the major corporate sponsor the exhibition which runs until 24 June and can be viewed daily from 10:00-17:00 except Mondays.

For more information, contact Joe Dolby on 021-467-4660 or e-mail jdolby@iziko.org.za.

Image: Untitled - Linocut on paper - Collection UZUL

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