Iziko South African National Gallery Presents 'Matereality V2' Curated by Andrea Lewis
A new exhibition titled 'Matereality V2' is underway at the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town, running until June 30, 2027. Curated by Andrea Lewis, the exhibit showcases the innovative work of approximately 150 contemporary African artists who utilize everyday materials to reflect themes of memory, identity, and belonging. This iteration explores the impact of digital technology and artificial intelligence on art. Notable participants include artists Sepideh Mehraban, Gaelen Pinnock, and Igshaan Adams, with an emphasis on textiles and indigenous knowledge. The original 'Matereality' exhibition began in 2020 but was interrupted by the pandemic.
Key facts
- 'Matereality V2' is on view at the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town until 30th June 2027.
- Curator Andrea Lewis describes 'matereality' as the point where material and lived reality become inseparable.
- The first 'Matereality' opened in 2020 at ISANG but was disrupted by COVID-19 closures.
- The exhibition features emerging and established artists including Igshaan Adams, Usha Seejarim, Sepideh Mehraban, Gaelen Pinnock, Promise Mapondera, Warren Maroon, Senzeni Marasela, Ben Stanwix, Xhanti Zwelendaba, Tamlin Blake, Lungisa Qwanta, Yonela Makoba, Zaneaca Singh, Atang Tshikare, Lyndi Sales, Chris Soal, Hanien Conradie, Sahlah Davids and Jeanne Gaigher.
- Lewis compiled a list of around 150 artists during the six-year gap between exhibitions.
- The exhibition extends beyond South Africa to selected artists elsewhere on the African continent.
- Lewis references Jane Bennett's concept of 'vibrant matter' to discuss materials' own properties and behaviours.
- The exhibition raises questions about museum preservation when artists use materials that fade, rust, break down or decay.
Entities
Artists
- Andrea Lewis
- Igshaan Adams
- Usha Seejarim
- Sepideh Mehraban
- Gaelen Pinnock
- Promise Mapondera
- Warren Maroon
- Senzeni Marasela
- Ben Stanwix
- Xhanti Zwelendaba
- Tamlin Blake
- Lungisa Qwanta
- Yonela Makoba
- Zaneaca Singh
- Atang Tshikare
- Lyndi Sales
- Chris Soal
- Hanien Conradie
- Sahlah Davids
- Jeanne Gaigher
- Jane Bennett
- Suzette Bell-Roberts
Institutions
- Iziko South African National Gallery
- ISANG
- ART AFRICA
Locations
- Cape Town
- South Africa
- Johannesburg
- Accra
- Harare