Dr Phokenng Setai, Curator of Spring is Rebellious – The Art & Life of Albie Sachs that opened at Zeitz MOCAA on 24 July, explains its particular significance and special qualities as an exhibition, on the Arts Round Up on Fine Music Radio.
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Phokeng got involved with the exhibition in October 2024, when he rejoined Zeitz MOCAA. He had a long standing relationship with Koyo Kouoh, Director of Zeitz MOCAA, who passed away in May, and she had conceptualised the project. She appointed him as Project Manager to make it come to life.
Dr Phokeng Setai & Judge Albie Sachs at the opening
He spent time in consultation with Judge Albie Sachs, navigating the space between the autobiographical and biographical. Being an institutional space, the museum needed to present an exhibition, which for the first time was covering legacy and history as the theme.
The exhibition is telling the stories of two countries – Mozambique and South Africa. The problem of African history is that it had been told by individuals for too long. Telling Albie’s story, but also telling other stories, is important, and doing it through artwork does that for us.
Some stories relate to the individual artists featured in the exhibition. Some artists are from Mozambique – mostly around Maputo, a few from Tanzania, and others from post apartheid South Africa. There are a total of 49 artworks telling so many stories from countries with different perspectives.
There are several themes as you pass through the gallery spaces. There is the 11 year period from 1977 to 1988, which Albie spent in exile in Maputo. The Dust Shed reflects on his time in solitary confinement. Then we move into the time of freedom when he served at the Constitutional Court of South Africa.
There is also a time line presenting his personal history and that of national history that gives perspective to Spring Is Rebellious – The Art & Life of Albie Sachs.
This is an exhibition that requires time to absorb, reflect on and enjoy!
WHAT: Spring Is Rebellious: The Art & Life of Albie Sachs
WHERE: Zeitz MOCAA, Silo District, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: 24 July 2025 – Sunday, 23 August 2026
INFO: VISIT
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