The Keiskamma Art Project is an artist's collective founded and based in the Eastern Cape known for its striking large-scale textile artworks. Through vivid imagery and visual storytelling, the tapestries act to both explore and share the Eastern Cape’s collective memory and preserve its oral history traditions.
On show will be prototypes of a new three-part series titled Our South Africa, in which the women of the Keiskamma Art Project explore what they value about our democracy and what the Constitution means to them. The series is a fascinating interrogation of democracy and ultimately tells a story of resilience and possibility.
Other pieces on show include the 120m Keiskamma Tapestry, the multi-layered Keiskamma Altarpiece and the provoking Keiskamma Guernica. They have been exhibited across the world, but this is the first time that they will be shown as a single body of work. The tapestries are exquisitely crafted and feature bold colours and images full of depth, together creating a powerful narrative of the collective's hopes, dreams and stories.
Azu Nwagbogu, co-creator of the exhibition says, “This retrospective exhibition foregrounds the traditional oral histories and acts as a loudhailer through which to amplify the stories and experiences by, and for the people who are otherwise not heard. Through simultaneous narration and documentation, we hope to foster a safe environment to promote healing and sharing to bring people and diverse communities together."
Exhibition opens on Heritage Day Sat, Sep 24 with a performance by the Keiskamma Music Academy and artist talks and walkabouts.
