A LUTA CONTINUA: Reflecting on 30 years of democracy through the CCAC - National Arts Festival, Makhanda - 20 to 30 June 2024

National Arts Festival 2024, Makhanda

The Festival will take place from 20 – 30 June 2024.

A LUTA CONTINUA: Reflecting on 30 years of democracy through the Constitutional Court Art Collection

Taking its title from the Thomas Mulcaire 2003 light artwork, now permanently installed in the Constitutional Court’s foyer, this CCAC exhibition explores the interconnectedness of art and justice, human rights and democracy, at this key moment in South Africa’s history and future.

The CCAC is a unique collection with an unusual history symbolised by what Justice Albie Sachs calls ‘an intense longing for human justice’. Arguably, there is no other art collection in post-apartheid South Africa that more evocatively captures the spirit of a nation moving from racist oppression to realising a progressive constitutional democracy. Like the Constitution of South Africa that was signed into law in 1996, the CCAC is, in many ways, emblematic of the country’s aspirations for human rights, liberty and dignity for all within a constitutional democracy.

Shortly after democracy came to South Africa and the Constitution came into effect thereafter, artists donated the artworks to celebrate the birth of a new era. They did so with overwhelming generosity, in the spirit of the Constitution. Under the spirited guidance of Justices Yvonne Mokgoro and Albie Sachs, the architects, and various artists working with them created the court building, now recognised as uniquely blending themes of justice with contemporary architecture, integrated art and adornment.

Today the Constitutional Court, a landmark building with heritage status, together with the publicly accessible art collection it both embodies and houses, provides a vivid symbol of the rule of law and social justice in South Africa. This is the first comprehensive showing of the CCAC beyond its home at the Constitutional Court in Johannesburg.

Book to join a hosted walkabout
Venue: Monument Spaces
22 June, 12:30-13:30: Hosted by Catherine Kennedy (CCT)
27 June, 14:00-15:00: Hosted by Justice Albie Sachs, with Catherine Kennedy (CCT)
29 June, 13:00-14:00: Hosted by Justice Albie Sachs, with Catherine Kennedy (CCT)

CREDITS

Exhibition development: Catherine Kennedy (CCT manager) with the CCAC curatorial team - curators Bahlakoana Lesemane and Francois Lion-Cachet, supported by Buntu Makhedama (curatorial assistant) and Phenyo Masenya (curatorial Intern)

Exhibition production and installation oversight: Vaughn Sadie

Thanks to the National Arts Festival team for their support and assistance with this exhibition, including:

Exhibition coordination and installation: Raphaela Linders, Mook Lion, Phila Phaliso, Nicci Spalding, Bafana Zembe

NAF student gallery assistants: Karisna Bissett, Monique Daniel, Zaza Germond, Ofentse Links, Tony Maake, Sheba Mbondo, Sive Ntombana, Sange Mpambeni, Shenka Naidoo, Kamvelihle Netjies, Ezona Njokweni, Asenako Ntame, Gideon Onah, Cee-Jay Harry Porthen