“I Never Liked it Here” Revisiting Inter- Action by Manfred Zylla is currently on exhibition at the South African National Gallery, showcasing his highly politically charged works, particularly those created during the apartheid era in South Africa.
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Zylla explains the title of the exhibition, suggested by the Andrea Lewis, Curator of the exhibition. The words are the graffiti seen in the drawing above – I Never Liked It Here.
The works in the show were donated by Zylla to the South African National Gallery in the 1990’s and kept in storage. Following his enquiries about when the works would be exhibited, and the intervention of a friend, Andrea Lewis got involved and the works on brown paper were taken out of storage. They had been rolled up and this had caused some damage. Last month he worked in the gallery and could see how, with the help of professional restorers, the drawings were got ready for the exhibition that opened last week.
The opening on 24th September included have Manfred Zylla and his Riempie Vasmaak band performing.
The drawings mostly date back to the exhibition in1982 when the invitation from Manfred Zylla invited you to CAP – Community Arts Project – to a a public intervention and public event. The exhibition was opened by Peter Clarke. The publication recording the exhibition was banned by the apartheid government. A film was taken at the opening and this forms part of the current exhibition.
I Never Liked it Here” Revisiting Inter- Action is an important record of that time and period in South African history, and the invaluable work of the Community Arts Project.
Fortunately Manfred Zylla likes South Africa enough to be back in Cape Town to contribute to this important exhibition at Iziko South African National Gallery
And a word from Andrea Lewis – a useful introduction to the exhibition: Other than an exhibition at the University of Cape Town, these works have not been on display as a whole for nearly three decades and in preparation for this exhibition, recently underwent paper conservation.
They continue to challenge us in confronting the uncomfortable truths of apartheid and to reflect on the enduring legacy of discrimination and oppression. Despite being made decades ago, the series remains as relevant now as it was when first exhibited. In a world still grappling with issues of racial inequality and social injustice, Zylla’s artworks are poignant reminders of the ongoing struggle for equality and human rights. They are a powerful call for action, urging us to stand up against injustice and work towards a more inclusive world for all.
WHAT: Manfred Zylla – “I Never Liked it Here” Revisiting Inter- Action
WHERE: IZIKO South African National Gallery, Government Avenue, Company’s Garden, Cape Town 8001
WHEN: from 24 September 2024
INFO: T (083) 480 9189 [Phillippa Duncan] | E friendssang15@gmail.com
IZIKO South African National Gallery [A]
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