Kemang Wa Lehulere's London exhibition explores memory, trauma, and South African history through recurring objects

Kemang Wa Lehulere's latest works will be showcased at Marian Goodman Gallery in London until 20 October 2018. The exhibition includes school desks adorned with plaster hand casts depicting sign language, porcelain Alsatian figurines, drawings created with chalk on blackboards, and sculptures made from metal piping. One artwork evokes memories of childhood toys alongside the horrific 'necklacing' executions from apartheid. Wa Lehulere, born in 1984 amidst apartheid, tragically lost both parents by the age of twelve and graduated with a fine arts degree from Wits University in 2011. He co-founded Gugulective in 2006 and the Center for Historical Reenactments in 2010, using objects like reclaimed desks to delve into themes of memory, while also paying homage to artist Gladys Mgudlandlu through birdhouses that reflect her focus and township narratives.