Retrospective
view photos from the exhibition
Background and overview of the exhibition
The Johannesburg Art Gallery through funds from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) proudly present the Retrospective exhibition of the works of the South African greatest artist of the 20th century, Dumile Feni.
This major retrospective exhibition and the research is the first ever to bring to the attention of the nation the work of this highly gifted South African artist. The significance of his work in terms of the history of 20th century South African art needs to be well documented especially in his country of birth.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue, researched book and educational supplement. Very little has been published on the role of black South African artists and this major publication will no doubt become a seminal publication in this body of knowledge. It will be a major step in the direction of redressing the previous imbalances in terms of the literature on black South African artists.
The educational supplement will address the needs of school learners. It is anticipated that thousands of these supplements will be published and widely distributed to provincial education departments as the exhibition tours the country.
The exhibition will open at the Johannesburg Art Gallery on Sunday 26 September 2004. It will then tour other exhibition centres in the country, including the Eastern Cape, Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Free State.
The structure of the exhibition
The exhibition will be divided into five structures. Showing his development at different stages of his life experiences.
A. Before Exile
This part of the exhibition is tracing and showcasing this development. Only works he produced before he left the country in 1968 will be shown in this gallery.
B. London Period
The London period arguable was a major turning point for Dumile’s artistic career. The works he created depicts a significant transition in his life.
After leaving the country in 1968, Dumile participated in a major Nigerian cultural festival. The works he produced at this period for this festival are witness to the state of psychological shock he must have been experiencing.
C. USA Period
Dumile arrived in New York City from Los Angeles at the dawn of the 1980s. He connected with South Africans who were already exiled there. He lived with Ernest Cole, a renown South African photographer.
D. JAG Collection
The Johannesburg Art Gallery acquired more than 100 Dumile’s drawings and two Albert Luthuli bronze sculptures through funding from the Anglo American Johannesburg Centenary Trust Fund and The Department of the then Arts Culture Science and Technology.
E. Erotica
As an advocate for human freedom, it was essential to Dumile that he understands as much as he could about human involvement in social systems. He seriously studied aspects of various religion. He wanted to know how a particular religion help human beings acquire knowledge through those religion. He studied The Egyptian Book of the Dead, the Bible, Buddhism, Islam and other religions.
F. Videos
There will be two videos shown between the galleries. They will show interviewees, as well as his interview with the USA television on a programmed called South Africa Now, and two films he created.
g. Exhibition Tour
Institution Start Finish
Johannesburg Art Gallery 30 January 2005 10 April 2005
National Art Museum 17 May 2005 17 June 2005
Olievenhuis Art Museum 10 August 2005 5 November 2005
Durban Art Museum 2006 (To be confirmed)
Pretoria Art Museum 2006 (To be confirmed)
ISSUED BY: THOMAS MOLETE COMMUNICATIONS (PTY) LTD
ZENG MSIMANG
TELEPHONE: (011) 327-5171 FAX (011) 327-5435
DATE:
ON BEHALF OF: Johannesburg Art Gallery
Clive Kellner
TELEPHONE: (011) 725 3130 FAX (011) 720 6000
About The Trust
The Dumile Family Trust aims to establish a forum to collect protect and promote the artworks and cultural legacy of Dumile Feni.
The Dumile Feni Foundation is an NGO that seeks to uphold the objectives of he Dumile Family Trust. The Foundation also aims to promote Dumile name and advise and consult with the Trust. Lastly the Foundation is tasked with assisting in the promotion of art and culture,and the upliftment of South African artists.
The foundation Members are Carol Steinberg, Clifford Charles, Judge Alby Sachs, Moeletsi Mbeki (Chairperson), Prince Dube, Omar Badsha, Barbara Masekela and Marriam Diale.