A COUNTRY AWAKENING

Through the isolation provided to us by the coronavirus, we found ourselves in a reflective state. One that commanded us to pay attention to both one's individual battles, as well as shared silences that can no longer live in the dark. Collectively the world's voices seemed to rage louder against racism, gender-based violence, varied forms of othering and all inequality that has been sitting comfortably among us for too long.

In South Africa, this seems to have been accompanied by a hunger for black people to connect to memories forgotten. Histories sanitized, identities dwindling and spiritual strengths were forgotten. Collectively, the conversations read as freedom-seeking to reclaim itself through the young people of South Africa. This energy is most beautifully captured through the work produced by South Africa’s fine, and visual artists. There is a strength-building, an intolerance settling. ‘Normal’, has evidently sat uncomfortably in the bodies affected by this memory loss for too long, the bodies of those that did not help define it.

In this article we take a look at the recent works of three young, Black artists and take a trip through the thoughts and feelings expressed to get a sense of the energy propelling these conversations. We take a look at the heart carrying a much needed collective awakening.

Blessing Ngobeni

Born in 1985, Blessing Ngobeni through his work identifies as an Artist, Philosopher and Visionary. His work gives expression to suppressed freedoms experienced in this environment, and by doing so, shows us where South Africa’s black you are placed in navigating out of this uninvited prison.

Like many countries, South Africa seems to be in a constant state of discovering that its government does not have the interest of the people at the heart of its function. The media exposure of this seems to have heightened with the coronavirus with reports of Personal Protective Equipment giving room for government officials and departments to loot systems that were put in place speedily to help manage the virus outbreak.

An issue that continues to contribute to the vast inequality in South Africa is the issue of land reform. It continues to be one of the most contentious issues each time an election is on the horizon. It is reported that 72 percent of the country’s arable land remains in the ownership of white South Africans who account for fewer than 10 percent of the total population.

Yolanda Mazwana 

Through her art, Yolanda Mazawana gives life to narrative paintings that explore issues ranging from mental illness, phobias, and popular culture.

Talk about mental illness is not freely or often conducted in African cultures. We often find that those who struggle with depression or any other mental illness often, have nowhere to turn. They do not live in homes that are kind to such, and the lack of kindness for the most part, comes from a lack of knowledge.

Contributor Editor: Lunga Nene