HALF ART
CHRIS THURMAN: Shared narratives shaped by personal stories dominate at L’Atelier exhibition
Ayanda Mabulu has been at it again, testing the boundaries of "acceptable offence" and reminding South Africans that his cynicism and anger towards politicians extends even to the sacrosanct image of Nelson Mandela. One of Mabulu’s favoured platforms for launching his assaults on respectability in the art world is the Joburg Art Fair. In 2013, his Yakhal’inkomo – Black Man’s Cry (one of a number of unflattering portraits of Jacob Zuma, among other prominent figures) caused controversy when the organisers removed the work for fear of alienating corporate and state sponsors of the event. That was during a very different political moment, when the power of the Zuma cabal seemed entrenched. South Africans may not have liked the graphic nature of Mabulu’s depictions of Zuma, but by that stage in the robber-baron’s presidency public sentiment increasingly concurred with the gist of the artist’s message. So it was interesting to note that the Nelson Mandela Foundation, in response to the u...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.