The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa is celebrating contemporary African art this summer with exhibitions, programs, and publications. The season’s exhibitions focus on lens-based art forms, featuring works by established and emerging artists. The museum’s dedication to art education, critical thinking, and art history through diverse mediums is evident in its summer programming and exhibitions. Visitors can expect to engage with thought-provoking exhibitions, educational programs, and insightful publications, making it a dynamic platform for artists and the community.
What is the Zeitz MOCAA Summer Season?
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) is celebrating contemporary African art this summer with a lineup of exhibitions, programs, and publications. The season’s exhibitions focus on avant-garde lens-based art forms, featuring works by established and emerging artists. The museum’s dedication to art education, critical thinking, and art history through diverse mediums is evident in its summer programming and exhibitions.
This summer, the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) welcomes visitors with an exciting lineup of exhibitions, programs, and publications. As a comprehensive pan-African center, Zeitz MOCAA aims to engage and enrich the community through the power of art, featuring both established and emerging artists.
Koyo Kouoh, executive director and chief curator at Zeitz MOCAA, emphasizes the museum’s dedication to celebrating artists like Mary Evans, Johannes Phokela, and Mame-Diarra Niang, while also promoting a new generation of creatives. Among those showcased in the summer group exhibition are Gladys Kalichini, Latedjou, Sekai Machache, Nyancho NwaNri, Pamina Sebastiāo, Buhlebezwe Siwani, and Helena Uambembe.
Exploring Lens-Based Art Forms
The season’s exhibitions focus on avant-garde lens-based art forms, featuring a solo retrospective by Mame-Diarra Niang titled “Self as a Forgotten Monument,” as well as a group exhibition called “Seekers, Seers, Soothsayers.” Opening on 27 October, the latter exhibition presents works by seven artists who delve into dimensions beyond the physical world. Inspired by Jamaican author Kei Miller’s 2007 poem “Speaking in Tongues,” this multidisciplinary collection explores spiritual, psychological, and abstract themes through experimental film, immersive installations, and performance art.
Tandazani Dhlakama, a curator at Zeitz MOCAA, discusses the importance of lens-based media in “Seekers, Seers, Soothsayers.” She explains how the camera lens enables artists to expand, project, and reflect on historical narratives, illustrating the role of ritual, devotion, and remembrance in connecting generations and offering alternative ways of seeing oneself within life’s cycle.
Mame-Diarra Niang’s “Self as a Forgotten Monument”
“Self as a Forgotten Monument” provides a comprehensive overview of Mame-Diarra Niang’s work over the past decade, highlighting her innovative techniques in photography and immersive video. The exhibition features new site-specific installations that align with Niang’s overarching artistic themes.
Lungi Morrison, director of Institutional Advancement at Zeitz MOCAA, emphasizes the significance of recognizing new voices in contemporary art and celebrating the museum’s rich art canon. Zeitz MOCAA’s dedication to art education, critical thinking, and art history through diverse mediums is evident in its summer programming and exhibitions.
Events and Symposiums at Zeitz MOCAA
On 16 November 2023, Zeitz MOCAA will host an event to celebrate both exhibitions, with all featured artists in attendance. Additionally, a symposium focusing on artists Mary Evans and Johannes Phokela will take place on 28 October, aligning with the museum’s educational mission. Titled “Survey: Image as History or History as Image,” this forum strives to foster discussions contributing to a broader understanding of contemporary African art.
Although Evans and Phokela differ in their artistic approaches, Zeitz MOCAA acknowledges and celebrates their extensive contributions to the art world. Their works challenge conventional image-making and consumption, providing fresh perspectives on historical narratives. Art historians, critics, and writers such as Alexandra Dodd, Athi Mongezeleli Joja, Kim M. Reynolds, Thulile Gamedze, and Thembinkosi Goniwe will participate as panelists during the symposium.
The event will also unveil monographs detailing the exhibitions of both artists, enhancing the institution’s commitment to promoting art and knowledge. These richly illustrated publications, designed by Softwork Studio and published by Zeitz MOCAA, offer in-depth readings and reflections on the artists’ work, further solidifying the museum’s role in advocating contemporary art.
Senior Curator and Head of Curatorial Affairs Storm Janse van Rensburg concludes by stressing the importance of collaborating with artists in realizing the museum’s vision. He expresses gratitude for the trust and access granted by the artists and emphasizes that it is only through their voices that the museum can genuinely speak.
As summer approaches, Zeitz MOCAA presents an exceptional opportunity for art enthusiasts and curious minds to immerse themselves in the world of contemporary African art. With a variety of thought-provoking exhibitions, educational programs, and insightful publications, this museum continues to serve as a dynamic platform for artists and the broader community.
1. What is the Zeitz MOCAA Summer Season celebrating?
The Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA) is celebrating contemporary African art this summer with a lineup of exhibitions, programs, and publications focusing on avant-garde lens-based art forms, featuring works by established and emerging artists.
2. What can visitors expect at the Zeitz MOCAA Summer Season?
Visitors can expect thought-provoking exhibitions, educational programs, and insightful publications, making it a dynamic platform for artists and the community.
3. Who are some of the artists being showcased at the Zeitz MOCAA Summer Season?
Artists showcased in the summer group exhibition include Gladys Kalichini, Latedjou, Sekai Machache, Nyancho NwaNri, Pamina Sebastiāo, Buhlebezwe Siwani, and Helena Uambembe.
4. What is the focus of the exhibitions at Zeitz MOCAA Summer Season?
The season’s exhibitions focus on avant-garde lens-based art forms, featuring a solo retrospective by Mame-Diarra Niang titled “Self as a Forgotten Monument,” as well as a group exhibition called “Seekers, Seers, Soothsayers.”
5. What is the significance of lens-based media in “Seekers, Seers, Soothsayers?”
Curator Tandazani Dhlakama explains how camera lens enables artists to expand, project, and reflect on historical narratives, illustrating the role of ritual, devotion, and remembrance in connecting generations and offering alternative ways of seeing oneself within life’s cycle.
6. Who is Mame-Diarra Niang and what is her exhibition about?
“Self as a Forgotten Monument” provides a comprehensive overview of Mame-Diarra Niang’s work over the past decade, highlighting her innovative techniques in photography and immersive video. The exhibition features new site-specific installations that align with Niang’s overarching artistic themes.
7. What events and symposiums will take place at Zeitz MOCAA?
On 16 November 2023, Zeitz MOCAA will host an event to celebrate both exhibitions, with all featured artists in attendance. Additionally, a symposium focusing on artists Mary Evans and Johannes Phokela will take place on 28 October, titled “Survey: Image as History or History as Image,” striving to foster discussions contributing to a broader understanding of contemporary African art.
8. What publications will be available at Zeitz MOCAA Summer Season?
The event will unveil monographs detailing the exhibitions of both artists, designed by Softwork Studio and published by Zeitz MOCAA, offering in-depth readings and reflections on the artists’ work.
