Multidisciplinary artist Kagiso Gundane is preparing to present his latest collection at the RMB Latitudes Art Fair, which takes place from May 24 to 26 at Shepstone Gardens in Johannesburg. Although this exhibition remains untitled, Gundane has let it slip that his work will revolve around the theme of healing, drawing deep inspiration from African spirituality.
At just 25 years old, this artist has spent many years developing a series of works exploring the complex layers of this spirituality, nourished by the influence of his mother, a traditional healer. This maternal lineage constitutes the heart of his artistic exploration.
Gundane, in an interview with the Mail & Guardian, reveals: “I used African spirituality as a prism to address the post-colonial issues we face in South Africa, particularly for black people who suffer from colonial trauma . I feel like we haven’t fully healed from this trauma. The trauma is not just psychological; it is also written in our DNA. »
Through her art, Gundane addresses the deep need for healing within the Black community, recognizing the lingering effects of colonial trauma. His works go beyond the purely visual, contributing to a broader dialogue about recovery and transformation.
He shares, “This is a healing process and a time of transition that we have to go through as black people. »
The emotional impact of her work is undeniable, as evidenced by a poignant moment during a gallery tour, where a spectator, moved to tears, found liberation and healing through her art.
Creating work centered on African spirituality presents unique challenges, particularly because of the cultural taboos surrounding the subject. Gundane admits: “It’s a really heavy subject. Talking about spirituality has always been taboo, but I think these days more and more people are having important conversations about it. One of the challenges I encountered was breaking that barrier by not addressing spirituality. »
In his creative process, Gundane experimented with Kanga fabric, a printed textile traditionally worn by healers, seeing it as a means of spiritual communication. This experience led to a profound and disturbing moment, further reinforcing the spiritual weight embedded in his work.
Despite these challenges, Gundane is committed to using his art to provoke thought and inspire healing. “My hope in creating these works was that people would begin to have conversations about how we can move forward and heal from the trauma we carry in our DNA. »
The RMB Latitudes Art Fair, now in its second year, offers a unique platform. One of its special projects, the Independent Artists Exhibition or Index, brings together an exciting group of independent artists from South Africa, the African continent and the diaspora.
Index, according to its curator Denzo Nyathi, seeks to subvert established norms and explores what it means to be independent. By opposing the generally accepted rule that artists must be represented by a gallery, Index aims to remove barriers excluding independent artists from participating in art fairs.
In a world where healing and transformation are essential, Kagiso Gundane’s art resonates powerfully. Her exploration of African spirituality offers a path to collective healing, inviting audiences to reflect on the wounds of the past and envision a future filled with reconciliation and renewal.