At the opening of the 41st annual Matric Art Exhibition of the Kimberley Art Centre (KAC), talented art students were celebrated not just for their artistic achievements, but for their courage in revealing their innermost thoughts and emotions through their creative work.
The exhibition, featuring the work of these matriculants, opened on 15 October at the prestigious William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG) in Kimberley – an immense honour given that WHAG is one of only three national art museums in the country, and the sole representative in the Northern Cape. The other two national art museums are the Iziko Museum in Cape Town and the National Museum in Bloemfontein.
“Art is not a thing, but a specific way of thinking,” commented Anelle Liebenberg of KAC in her opening remarks.
Exploring themes such as “reflection”, “then and now”, “rituals”, “place”, “time”, “identity”, “protest art” and “scars in society”, each artwork tells its own unique story. Liebenberg said it is always inspiring to see how these different topics are interpreted by young minds.
She encouraged the audience to find inspiration when “you see the beauty of the art through your heart”.
Chepape Makgato, chief curator of WHAG, described this Matric Art Exhibition as one of the important events on the gallery’s programme. He praised KAC for its consistent contribution to the development of art in the region.
In a delightful surprise for the students, Chepape announced the inaugural Chief Curator’s Award, selected by the curatorial team. The recipient of this prestigious honour is Daniele Petersen.
Chepape’s parting advice to the students, who are completing their school careers, was to always carry art in their hearts, regardless of which careers they pursue. “Never forget the joy of creating art,” he urged.
The exhibition remains on display at WHAG until the end of October, with members of the public invited to experience the artwork of these young “shining, dazzling stars” – as Liebenberg fondly described them.
When visiting WHAG, visitors might bear in mind Chepape’s words: “Look at artwork; approach it silently until it lets you speak”.
ALSO READ: Northern Cape’s William Humphreys Art Gallery wins Outstanding Museum Award
You must be logged in to post a comment.