Zeitz MOCAA's 'When We See Us' Exhibition Surveys Black Figurative Painting Across Africa and Diaspora

The Zeitz MOCAA in Cape Town is hosting an extensive exhibition titled 'When We See Us: A Century of Black Figuration in Painting,' showcasing over 200 pieces by 156 artists from Africa and its diaspora. This exhibition, located in the V&A Waterfront area, will be open until September 3, 2023. Curatorial themes such as 'Joy and Revelry,' 'Triumph and Emancipation,' and 'Repose' are explored without being overly instructive. The displayed works reflect a variety of styles, cultures, and social experiences, emphasizing often-ignored figurative practices. Notable pieces include Eric Ndlovu's 'Buffalo Bill Bar' (1980), Sungi Mlengeya's 'Constant III' (2019), and George Pemba's 'The Audience' (1960), who documented Eastern Cape cultural life. A museum security guard shared a personal connection to the art, appreciating its joyful and simple themes.