The annual Winter Solstice exhibition at The Cape Gallery provides an open-ended theme, centering on the concept of rebirth and renewal that accompanies the seasonal change towards the winter months.
The Rain Maker interrogates the notion of who or what is the agency precipitating rain; the benefits (or not) of rain. Our ‘Fairest Cape’ can, particularly in winter, be a Cape of Storms, yet South Africa to the North has suffered a severe drought in recent months, which has impacted heavily upon man and beast.
Science seeks to understand the weather and predict rain. Global warming, deforestation, and the El Nino effect on global weather have impacted our lives.
We watch the weather report daily, with interest. Myth and folklore worldwide speculate on the possible causes of rain; the Rain Maker taking many forms in different cultures. In Zulu cosmology, great serpents govern the forces of nature. When snakes move from pool to pool they cause turbulence in the weather. Similarly, Rain Makers wielding mighty axes in Mayan culture are thought to strike rain-carrying snakes.
Rain is one of the most important forces of nature; there is great awareness for its ability to both revitalize and destroy. Its agent has therefore been associated with rebirth, renewal, agriculture and at times with success, wealth and abundance.
Featuring work by:
Tania Babb, John Bauer, Paul Birchall, Kitty Dörje, Derek Drake, Margot Hattingh, Keiskamma Art Project, David Kuijers, Simphiwe Mbunyuza, Peter Midlane, Vuyisani Mgijima, Yandiswa Mkaza, John Moore, Xolile Mtakatya, Theo Ntuntwana, Mary-Ann Orr, Paul Painting, Sheila Petousis, Uwe Pfaff, Michele Rolstone, Judy Woodborne
WHAT: The Rain Maker – the annual Winter Solstice exhibition
WHEN: Opening on Sunday, 19th June 2016 at 4:30 p.m. at The Cape Gallery. 19th June – 23rd July 2016
WHERE: THE CAPE GALLERY, 60 Church Street, Cape Town 8001
INFO: T +27 21 4235309 | visit
PHOTO: Sheila Petousis
