As South Africa gears for the 2024 general elections, a new exhibition entitled Great Expectations takes a moment to reflect on dreams and hopes held for a free and equal South Africa almost three decades ago. The exhibition is a thought-provoking and meaningful exploration of identity, society, the built environment, and the spirit of the times in the context of the country’s 30-year journey towards democracy. It will debut at The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP) on Saturday 23 September 2023, with the public enjoying free admission on its opening weekend.
The exhibition continues the conversation on the overall curatorial theme around meaning making by way of visual art, exploring identity, heritage, the self, and the collective contemporary South Africa plunged into a reckoning around uncomfortable historic truths and reflecting on the future implications of the decisions made now with a special focus on the disconnect between expectations, reality and the audacity to find hope.
Great Expectations exhibition has been curated with a selection of artworks from Art Bank of South Africa Contemporary Art Collection by the entity’s Project Manager Nonto Msomi (b.1988). It features works by notable South African contemporary artists including Banele Khoza, Lithemba Mpambani, Luyanda Zindela, Mkhize Khulekani, Mothobi Mefane, Thando Mama, Zakhale Hlabisa and Mellaney Roberts to list a few. Their works make a monumental contribution in capturing the complex tapestry of experiences, aspirations, and challenges that have shaped the nation during its post-apartheid era.
Great Expectations will be on view at the Javett-UP until February 2024. Bookings to visit the exhibition can be done by contacting the Javett-UP on connect@javettup.com or bookings@javettup.com, Telephone: +27 (0)12 420 3960.
Admission Times:
10am – 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday
Last admission at 4pm.