Amsterdam Rainbow Dress

CCAC #: 0572
Artwork title: Amsterdam Rainbow Dress
Artist(s): Neo Ntsoma
Year made: 2018
Artwork type: Photography
Medium: Diasec Photographic Print
Dimensions (mm): 418 x 293 x 35
Framed dimensions (in mm): 418 x 293 x 35
Artwork series: Amsterdam Rainbow Dress
Source: Donated by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands of South Africa
Year acquired: 2020
Installation type: Movable artwork
Current location: In storage
Exhibitions: A LUTA CONTINUA: Reflecting on 30 years of democracy through the CCAC - National Arts Festival, Makhanda - 20 to 30 June 2024
A LUTA CONTINUA: Reflecting on 30 years of democracy through the CCAC - William Humphreys Art Gallery, Kimberley - 1 August to 7 September 2024
A LUTA CONTINUA: Reflecting on 30 years of democracy through the CCAC - KZNSA Gallery, Durban - 27 September - 10 November 2024
Signage:

This series of photographs resulted from a joint project between the Constitutional Court Trust, custodian of the CCAC, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Africa, to present and photograph the Amsterdam Rainbow Dress in front of the Constitutional Court in December 2018.

The dress is made from the flags of all countries in the world where homosexuality is illegal, which is changed to a rainbow flag when such legislation is changed. It aims to create awareness of the persecution of LGBTIQ+ people, and is a powerful example of how art can be used to champion the cause of justice and humanity.

South Africa’s Constitution guarantees dignity and equality and outlaws persecution based on sexual and gender identities. South Africa was the first African country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2006.

The dress was modeled by transgender activist and model Yaya Mavundla.

Related constitutional cases: Minister of Home Affairs and Another v Fourie and Another (2005)

CCAC 429200

Photographer: Neo Ntsoma
Photo copyright: Consult with CCT curatorial team

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NOTE: The process of photographing artworks in the CCAC is underway - we are currently working to improve image quality and display on the CMS but have included internal reference photos for identification purposes in the interim.