Keiskamma: Art That Uplifts
By Arielle/Onyx Denis and Georgina Wraith
Founded in 2000, the Keiskamma Trust was created to holistically build a healthy community through the establishment of four main programmes: Art, Music, Education, and Health. The community-based organisation lives along the Keiskamma River in Hamburg, Eastern Cape. Their enormous and frankly breathtaking artworks have been exhibited across South Africa. Currently, the Association for Visual Arts (AVA) Gallery is showcasing Keiskamma Artists in Profile.
What makes this exhibition unique is that its focus is no longer on the collaborative artworks typical of Keiskamma features in exhibitions. Instead, AVA focuses on individual voices and artists that have emerged from the collective. Namely, Nomonde Mthandana, Nombulelo (Kwandi) Paliso, Cebo Mvubu, Lindiswa and Ncomeka Gedze, Olwethu Nkani, Zukiswa and Sinoxolo Zita, Nolusindiso Jakavula, Nosiphiwo Mangwane, Nombulelo Jack, and Nokuzola Mvaphantsi.
This focus on individual artists and their personal narratives of living in the rural Eastern Cape, an area struggling to keep up with rapid globalisation while also dealing with a failing healthcare system, resulted in an exhibition of smaller and more intimate pieces. Artists showcased their individual techniques and styles.
A few stitching patterns were picked up by our local embroidery enthusiast, Arielle, that are not seen in typical embroidery circles. Their usual blanket stitches were interwoven to form net-like patterns for backgrounds (as seen above), and occasionally non-traditional, thicker tapestry yarn was used to create texture among the natural scenes. These unique styles further enhanced the authenticity and cultural uniqueness of each piece.
Most of the exhibition consisted of indigenous flora and fauna, recreated in thread and occasionally bead. This was an intentional focus on nature, with no human intervention. It acted as more of an observational piece, highlighting the innate beauty of our Earth. This is a significant juxtaposition to much of the art highlighted by the recent and popular Investec Art Fair and current art industry trends. Currently, there is a very heavy focus on humanity and this experience called life. We’re seeing a lot of violence and pain, with scattered moments of joy and self-expression. While these human-centred artworks are incredible and grounding, Keiskamma’s focus on nature was a balm for the soul.
Mvubu’s water lilies brought joy and laughter when we spotted the little frog, almost entirely camouflaged in one of the pads. With intricate shades of white, the effect of water played out beautifully on the koi fish. The Gedzes’ Incili included two seriously funky pairs of pants. Mthandana captured our hearts with their multiple Botanical pieces, with gorgeous textures created by mismatched fabrics, all created in the last year—a true embroidery feat.
This artwork was filled with soul—that is the only way to explain it. Each work was infused with personal experiences of love, joy, hope, hurt, and everything in between, all so tangible to the viewer. On top of that, each was created as a process of meaning-making, aimed to help a rural community, a people seemingly forgotten by this fast-moving world. This is art that speaks to our country, art that uplifts.
This exhibition showcases the authenticity of South African techniques, nature, humans, and spirit. Even without a Kentridge, this is certainly some of the best that our art scene can offer. Photos cannot do them justice—they must be viewed live. The AVA gallery in Cape Town City Centre is hosting them until the 16th of April.