Homeland 2

CCAC #: 0505
Artwork title: Homeland 2
Artist(s): Greg Marinovich
Year made: 1992
Artwork type: Photography
Medium: Photograph
Dimensions (mm): 460 x 600
Framed dimensions (in mm): 560 x 700
Edition: 3/5
Artwork series: Dead Zone
Source: Donated by the Dippenaar Family Trust, with the artist, in 2018
Year acquired: 2018
Installation type: Movable artwork
Current location: In storage
Signage:

7 September 1992, Bhisho, Eastern Cape

African National Congress supporters take cover as others flee while Ciskeian soldiers maintain sustained automatic fire. Around 100,000 people marched on the Bantustan capital of Bhisho.

The scene is dominated by ANC supporters taking cover in a grassy field, in intense fear and panic. Some lie on the ground to dodge sustained automatic fire, while others huddle together, highlighting the instinct for comfort and protection amidst danger.

The image captures a moment of collective vulnerability during South Africa’s transition, engaging themes of political violence, fear, and survival. It resonates with constitutional protections of human dignity, life, freedom and security of the person, the right to protest, and freedom of expression, while reflecting the fragility of these rights in moments of conflict.

Themes: Collective memory of apartheid-era trauma
Fragility of Democracy
Marginalised Spaces
Political Violence and Intimidation
Human Rights
Conflict
Homelands
Human Rights Day
Constitutional links: Human dignity - constitutional value (section 1a, section 10)
Right to life (section 11)
Freedom and security of the person (section 12)
Equality - constitutional value (section 1a, section 9)
Right to assembly, demonstration, picket and petition (section 17)
National Unity and Reconciliation (Interim Constitution of South Africa, chapter 16)
Related constitutional cases: S v Makwanyane & Another (1995)

CCAC 433498

Photographer: Greg Marinovich
Photo copyright: Greg Marinovich

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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.