Dumile returns to Durban
by Francesca Verga
Dumile Feni, who was amongst the first black artists to have exhibited at the Durban Art Gallery, returns there after 40 years. In 1966, Madame Z. Wisznicka-Kleczynska, then curator of the Durban Art Gallery, was so impressed by Feni's work that a one-man show of his works was arranged.
The daily newspapers at the time featured numerous articles on the groundbreaking exhibition, headlines reading: 'Suffering' theme of African's Durban art exhibition, and He rose from the dead to become a genius: The name's Dumile. The art gallery was indeed at the forefront of equality and representation of black artists and the exhibition of Dumile's work at such an early stage bears testimony to this. Interestingly, sculptor Michael Zondi held a solo show at the Durban Art Gallery a month thereafter.
The exhibition 'Dumile Feni: A Retrospective' curated by JAG's Prince Dube, has received much accolade and recognition in its attempt to document the life's work of this mostly under-acknowledged artist. A condensed version of the original exhibition held at the JAG (April 2005) and at the SANG (August - November 2005) is currently on view at the Durban Art Gallery until March 26.
This particular exhibition showcases over 40 works from the JAG's collection and includes mostly works from the period Feni spend in London, around 1968. Although the works are limited to this period, they clearly reflect the artist's talent and concerns of the time.
There are plans to publish an extensive exhibition catalogue of the artist's life and works.
Opened: February 15
Closes: March 26
Durban Art Gallery
2nd Floor City Hall, Smith Street, Durban
Tel: (031) 311 2262
Email: brownc@durban.gov.za
Hours: Mon - Sat 8.30 - 4pm, Sun 11am - 4pm
