Iziko Museums of South Africa will host the exhibition “There’s something I must tell you” by artist, Sue Williamson, at the Iziko Slave Lodge.
This exhibition focuses on women activists involved in the political struggle against apartheid in South Africa, and the artist’s latest work, an installation documenting conversations between iconic women involved in the struggle and their Born Free granddaughters. The exhibition reveals a timeline across three bodies of work, moving from the 80s to current work set against a theme of women’s involvement in the struggle for democracy.
Amina & Luiza Cachalia – Sue Williamson
The determination and strength of women’s fight against apartheid resonates with the main theme of the Slave Lodge: “From human wrongs to human rights.”
Thus it is appropriate to host this exhibition at the Iziko Slave Lodge. “Women – the mothers, sisters, aunts and daughters – of South Africa have been instrumental catalysts in the fight against apartheid. They have served as the foundation, support and drivers of change. It is imperative that we share these stories, recognise and acknowledge their contribution to society and our nation, and build on their legacy.” says Rooksana Omar, CEO of Iziko.
Through this work, a much needed discussion around the meaning of democracy and the importance of active citizenship is reignited, at a pivotal moment in time when South Africa marks the 20th anniversary of its democracy.
The Iziko Slave Lodge provides a new and exciting context for one of South Africa’s pre-eminent, established artists and writers on resistance art in the country. The installation, ‘There’s something I must tell you’, was recently acquired by Iziko with the generous support of the Rockefeller Foundation.
The exhibition is centred on the significant historical and personal events of six women struggle veterans who relate their recollections and reflections. The women and granddaughters interviewed are:
- the late Amina Cachalia and her granddaughter Luiza Cachalia;
- Dr Brigalia Bam and Busisiwa Bam;
- Ilse Fischer and Thandi Lewin;
- Vesta Smith and Tammy Leigh Lodge;
- Caroline Motsoaledi and Busisiwe Khatibe; and
- Rebecca and Nompumelelo Kotane.
The six pairs are reflected in conversation on separate screens, supplemented by full length portrait studies of both women as well as photographs of the older women from their family albums. The original production of this work was made possible by support from the Goethe-Institute and the National Arts Council of South Africa. Iziko will be creating educational programmes and a special website that will focus on this installation.
There’s Something I Must Tell You – Sue Williamson
Sue Williamson’s work will take on another character within the context of a social history museum and the artist has acknowledged this new context by including a small collection of artefacts from the period of apartheid resistance, appropriate to the current commemoration and thinking about the meanings of 20 years of democracy in South Africa.
Sue Williamson’s work is represented in every major art museum collection in South Africa and included in international art institutions and private collections. In 2011, she was honoured with the Rockefeller Foundation Creative Arts Fellowship, and in 2011 took up her three-month residency at the Bellagio Center in Italy.
‘There’s something I must tell you’ is curated by Rockefeller Foundation Fellow, Sue Williamson and Shanaaz Galant of the Iziko Social History Collections Department.
The exhibition is made possible with the support of the Rockefeller Foundation.
WHERE: Iziko Slave Lodge, corner Adderley & Wale Streets, Cape Town 2001.
WHEN: from 27 June 2014 until 30 June 2015.
INFO: Website
