‘The importance of Rorke’s Drift cannot be under estimated. The Rorke’s Drift Art and Crafts School was one of the only places in South Africa that Black artists could study and practice art during the apartheid period. At a difficult time in our history, men and women were given a creative platform, instilling in them confidence and a sense of community, establishing a legacy for the growth of democracy and freedom within the nation today.’– Thembinkosi Goniwe

Impressions of Rorke’s Drift – The Jumuna Collection draws on works from the Jumuna Family collection to look at the legacy of the iconic Rorke’s Drift Arts and Craft Centre. The exhibition showcases over 100 pieces from 17 artists and is made possible through support from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF).

Situated on the battlefield of Rorke’s Drift (1879) a historical site of the Anglo Zulu War, the significance of The Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre lies in its prints, which have made an enormous contribution to South African art. The original ‘Evangelical Lutheran Church Art and Craft Centre’ was established by Swedish missionaries Peder and Ulla Gowenius in 1962, and gave a voice to many talented artists who would otherwise have been denied the opportunity to further
their craft.

Many alumni of The Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre went on to have significant careers, including artists such as Sam Nhlengethwa, Pat Mautloa, John Muafangejo, Kay Hassan, Dumisani Mabaso, Bongiwe Dhlomo, Azaria Mbatha, Paul Sibisi, Lionel Davis and Sandile Zulu. Regrettably, no formal archive or permanent exhibition of the work from Rorke’s Drift exists, but the Jumuna Family has been collecting pieces made in the Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre since the 1960s and has graciously made the collection available for this exhibition.

Presented by the National Arts Festival in association with Kizo Art Consultants.

 

03 July - 13 July