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South African Art Scene Winter 2015: Exhibitions, Residency, and Mthethwa Trial Coverage

other · 2026-04-20

In June and July 2015, South Africa's art scene saw varied activities despite a quiet winter season. Jared Ginsburg presented his exhibition 'The Natural World Parts 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6' at blank projects in Cape Town, with Mitchell Messina reviewing the show as reflecting a neo-Dada approach and studio practice integration. The Association for Visual Artists (AVA) in Cape Town launched a printmaking residency funded by auctioneers Strauss & Co, aiming to develop skills and unite a fragmented arts community. Artist Zwelethu Mthethwa's trial began after two years of delays, with Chad Rossouw examining the potential impact of a guilty verdict on his artistic legacy in a feature. Mwande Ka Zenzile gained attention for his use of internet-sourced images to explore power dynamics, analyzed by writer Nkule Mabaso. The National Gallery in Cape Town was noted for its low visibility during this period, though specific exhibition details were omitted. This roundup, published online exclusively on July 9, 2015, highlighted local exhibitions, institutional initiatives, and critical discussions.

Key facts

  • Jared Ginsburg exhibited 'The Natural World Parts 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6' at blank projects in Cape Town
  • Mitchell Messina reviewed Ginsburg's show as neo-Dada and studio-focused
  • AVA Cape Town and Strauss & Co funded a printmaking residency in June-July 2015
  • Zwelethu Mthethwa's trial for the 2013 murder of Nokuphila Kumalo began after two years
  • Chad Rossouw wrote on the implications of Mthethwa's trial for his oeuvre
  • Mwande Ka Zenzile used internet images to investigate power, covered by Nkule Mabaso
  • The National Gallery in Cape Town had low visibility during winter
  • Online exclusive published on July 9, 2015

Entities

Artists

  • Jared Ginsburg
  • Mitchell Messina
  • Zwelethu Mthethwa
  • Mwande Ka Zenzile
  • Nokuphila Kumalo

Institutions

  • blank projects
  • Association for Visual Artists (AVA)
  • Strauss & Co
  • National Gallery
  • artreview.com

Locations

  • Cape Town
  • South Africa

Sources