Travelling exhibition
A travelling exhibition of the Constitutional Court Art Collection (CCAC) will be exhibited locally and abroad to mark 30 years of democracy in 2024, 30 years of the CCAC in 2025, and 30 years of the South African Constitution in 2026.
Thomas Mulcaire, A Luta Continua, 2003. More info: https://ccac.concourttrust.org...
Photograph by Akona Kenqu
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
William Humphreys Art Gallery, Kimberley
Click for public invitation
Thursday 1 August - Saturday 7 September 2024
https://whag.co.za/
The exhibition at William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG) in Kimberley will be opened by Justice Albie Sachs on Thursday 1 August 2024, starting at 17:30 for 18:00. The South African premiere of the short documentary Where Art Meets Justice will also take place during the opening. Members of the public are encouraged to attend on RSVP basis by emailing zaakirah@whag.co.za or phoning 053 831 1724/5.
A free public walkabout with the CCAC curators will be held on Saturday 3 August at 10:00 to 11:30 and RSVPs are encouraged. This exhibition at WHAG will be on show until Saturday 7 September 2024. WHAG is open from 08:00-16:45 on weekdays and 09:00-14:00 on Saturdays (Sundays closed).
Entrance fee: Adults – R5; Children / scholars – R2; Students – Free with student card; Guided tours – R100
An education workshop for high school teachers (visual arts, history, social studies, life orientation, languages) will be held on Friday 2 August between 13:00 and 16:30 to enable them to lead their learners in engaging with the exhibition at WHAG and the CCAC in their classrooms. Educators are encouraged to email ccac@concourttrust.org.za for more information.
Find the press release here.
KZNSA Gallery, Durban
Friday 27 September - 10 November 2024
https://www.kznsagallery.co.za
Credits
This exhibition is developed by Catherine Kennedy, with the curatorial team of the Constitutional Court Trust (CCT). It draws on the collective words, wisdom and creativity of the many who have contributed to the development of the CCAC. This exhibition is intended to inform and stimulate discussion about the intersection between art, justice and
democracy.
The exhibition, and related programmes and publications, is funded and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Ford Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, the Foundation for Society, Law and Art in South Africa, and the French Institute of South Africa.
The Constitutional Court Art Collection (CCAC) is owned, managed and cared for by the Constitutional Court Trust, a non-profit organisation established soon after South Africa's transition to democracy. The CCT exists to promote human rights, the rule of law, constitutionalism and judicial independence in the African region - with a special focus on the Constitutional Court of South Africa. It does so through artistic expression, legal scholarship and exchange programmes, public education and library initiatives.