South African artists unveil new works amid political turbulence in March 2014

In March 2014, South Africa faced political unrest including corruption reports and mine strikes, yet several prominent artists launched exhibitions. Cameron Platter presented 'I Saw This' at Whatiftheworld in Cape Town until 29 March, featuring abstract works derived from pornography and sculptures like 'ethnographic' butt plugs, humorously exploring dystopian themes; he described himself as a 'very bad' activist compared to anti-apartheid artists. Zanele Muholi's 'Of Love and Loss' at Stevenson in Johannesburg ran through 4 April, documenting funerals of lesbians killed in 'corrective rape' attacks alongside images of gay marriages, highlighting ongoing struggles 20 years after democracy. Wim Botha's 'Linear Perspectives' at Stevenson in Cape Town continued until 5 April, with marble sculptures referencing Laocoön and a focus on historical perspectives, echoing William Kentridge's view. The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa was under redevelopment in Cape Town's Waterfront grain silos, designed by Thomas Heatherwick as South Africa's first museum dedicated solely to African contemporary art. Politically, Arts and Culture Minister Paul Mashatile was omitted from the ANC's parliamentary list amid corruption allegations, signaling potential change. These events unfolded against a backdrop of national turbulence, with artists addressing social issues through diverse mediums.