Arts writer
OVER 100 works (comprising mainly prints) from 17 artists, who studied at the Evangelical Lutheran Church Art and Craft Centre (known as Rorke’s Drift) in KwaZulu-Natal, will be showcased in Impressions of Rorke’s Drift – The Jumuna Collection at the Iziko South African National Gallery from July 23 until November 2.
The centre operated for a mere 20 years (1962-1982), but had a major impact on South African contemporary art. Some of the country’s most influential artists emerged from Rorke’s Drift, including Sam Nhlengethwa, Pat Mautloa, John Muafangejo, Kay Hassan, Dumisani Mabaso, Bongiwe Dhlomo, Azaria Mbatha, Paul Sibisi, Lionel Davis and Sandile Zulu, among others. No complete archive of the output of the centre’s artists exists outside of this collection, making it invaluable.
The Jumuna family have been collecting artworks since the start of the centre in 1962. The exhibition is drawn from their private collection. Impressions of Rorke’s Drift offers the chance to see a substantial body of work characterising the Rorke’s Drift legacy, with a view to stimulating discussion on the impact and importance that printing has had on South African art.
“As we celebrate 20 years of democracy, showcasing our artistic and cultural heritage is an important narrative to share. Museums play a key role in development through education and democratisation, while also serving as witnesses of the past, and are guardians of humanity’s treasures for future generations of not only this country, but the world,” says Iziko chief executive Rooksana Omar.
The gallery showed an early interest in the Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre, with several works entering the permanent collection in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Subsequent acquisitions and bequests have contributed to a significant collection of prints. The curatorial selection, by Thembinkosi Goniwe, celebrates the work of four key artists: Azaria Mbatha, Eric Mbatha, Dan Rakgoathe and Cyprian Shilakoe.
l The gallery is open daily from 10am to 5pm. See www.iziko.org.za or www.centre-rorkesdrift.com