Eight artists feature in Origin Art's latest group showcase, exploring the intricate relationship between memory, identity, and the spaces we inhabit.

"Set against the backdrop of South Africa's rich and complex heritage, this exhibition delves into the ways that collective memory, nostalgia, and the drive for newness shape our understanding of place and belonging," reads the exhibition statement for Origin Art's group show, Nostalgia and Place. 

For better or worse, nostalgia is a powerful force in the shaping of collective memory which, in turn, connects individuals to their cultural roots and societal identities. "For many, it serves as a bridge to significant historical moments, such as the end of apartheid or the struggle for freedom, providing continuity amidst rapid social and technological change. However, in a society increasingly driven by consumption, where newness and innovation are highly valued, this nostalgia can sometimes clash with the relentless pursuit of the novel," the curatorial text explains.

Francois Pietersen’s work embodies this tension, using pressed flowers as his medium to challenge notions of masculinity common to conservative Afrikaans households. By reimagining symbols of his childhood, he inspires viewers to reconsider the rites of passage that may have shaped their own identities. Also on show, Lindokuhle Tshabalala paints black people in positions of strength, self-assurance, and cultural pride. His work asserts the dignity of marginalised communities and seeks to preserve African heritage, challenges by the pressures of modernity and consumption. 

Six more artists, namely Masindi Mbolekwa, Masonwabe Ntloko, Laura de Harde, Levy Pooe, Matthew Blackburn, and N’lamwai Chithambo join in this exploration in their own ways.

See Nostalgia and Place at Origin Art at Keyes Art Mile.