Ambassador Patrick Gaspard invites members of the public to two Cape Town events held on Thursday June 5 in connection with the arrival of the ambassador and his wife Raina Washington’s new collection of American art.
The first is a hands-on mural project with local artists and residents at the Maboneng Township Art Experience, in Langa; and the second is a conversation about contemporary art that will take place at the AVA Gallery at 35 Church St. during the monthly First Thursday festivities, in Cape Town’s Central Business District.
MABONENG Township Art Experience
WHEN & WHERE: 11:30 a.m at corner of Rubusana and Ndabeni Streets, Langa
The Maboneng Township Art Experience is a national public arts initiative and World Design Capital Project that transforms township homes into galleries, empowers residents to become curators and entrepreneurs, exposes local artists to larger audiences, and engenders art appreciation in the community.
US artists will collaborate with local artists, students and residents on murals and art installations in two homes. The group will break for a late no-host lunch with community leaders and local homemakers at the nearby Mzansi Restaurant, during which media are also welcome to interview participants.
TRANSFORMATIONS: A CONVERSATION ON IDENTITY, RACE AND HISTORY IN CONTEMPORARY ART – a panel discussion at The AVA Gallery.
The panel includes acclaimed U.S. artists Sanford Biggers, Robert Pruitt and Deb Willis and South African artists, Nicholas Hlobo and MarySibande.
WHEN: FIRST THURSDAY, 5 JUNE 2014, 17:30 – 20:00
WHERE: AVA Gallery, 35 Church St, Cape Town 8001
SEATS ARE LIMITED; PLEASE ARRIVE PROMPTLY
BACKGROUND
The ambassador and his family have selected a collection of art that explores identity, culture and agency over historic narratives, a theme that should resonate with both American and South African audiences. This special collection is made possible through the U.S. State Department’s “Art in Embassies” program. This program, established in 1963, produces temporary exhibitions of original American artworks, on loan from a variety of sources for representational spaces worldwide.
The two American discussion panelists, well-known artists Sanford Biggers and Robert Pruitt, will be accompanied by Deborah Willis, a prominent U.S. art professor who will moderate the discussion. This talented trio will be joined by two of their distinguished South African peers, Mary Sibande and Nicholas Hlobo. All five artists will be available for interviews and discussion during the Maboneng Township event and after the evening AVA panel.
PICTURE CREDIT: Nicholas Hlobo: Ndize (2010); Rubber, fabric, ribbon, white clay; Commissioned by the Bluecoat and Liverpool Biennial 2010
