Meeting Point in Belgrade!
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The South Africa Meeting Point exhibition was held in the Belgrade Museum of African art, from 22nd to 25th of September 2011. Belgrade audience had a unique opportunity to see and experience one of the most original South African art collections in this part of the world. South Africa Meeting Point exhibition brings the magnificent art collection into the spotlight for the first time in Serbia and eastern Europe region. The exhibition was previously presented to Vienna audience within successful South Africa in Colours Vienna festival held in July. Through these remarkable art pieces, visitors had a chance to go to "visual journey" and to discover insights into the South Africa people. |
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This manifestation presented unique collection consisting of the pieces made by 15 contemporary artists from South Africa as well as collectible pieces from several South African collections, including ’’Moya Africa’’ unique furniture and decorative elements as well as ’’Ardmore’’ collection of ceramic art, famous by the commitment to details and high values reached at auctions held all over the world.
The exhibition explored layers of contemporary cultural reproductions and the meanings that inform the understanding of such productions in South Africa. Most artists in this exhibition are based in Johannesburg, a city that is perceived as an economic and cultural engine of the whole African continent. This is evident as the artworks, that were carefully selected by the curator Bongani Mkhonza, in this exhibition were produced from the debris of this city’s economic and cultural productions. In terms of content, mostly artworks in exhibition are themed around the concepts of democratization, layers and collage, co-modification, power and social change which can also be reffered as social engineering. In this exhibition, visitors was enticed to view unique and original works by leading contemporary South African artists like Mary Sibande, Mbongeni Buthelezi, Sam Nhlengethwa and Lawrence Lernaoana. Use of the whole spectar of different materials in the same time carries hidden pictures and offer conceptual messages, opened for understanding
Manifestation SOUTH AFRICA – MEETING POINT included also interactive creative workshops as well as music and dance program with a goal to transfer original spirit and creativity of South Africa. Creative workshops gathered large number of kids and students that had a chance to learn how to create original South African artwork such as ‘’Ndebele’’ and many other. Local artists participated in one of the several lectures held by the South African honored guests, such as Mr. D.A.M. Kgothule, MEC for Sports, Art and Culture of South African Free State province and exhibition curator, Mr. Bongani Mkhonza. South African delegation participated in several meetings with local cultural institutions and organizations, having a chance to exchange their experiences, know-how and set a foundations for future cooperation.
Exhibition opening was attended by large number of respected guests including local officials, celebrities and also foreign diplomats. In 4 days, more than 2000 people had a chance to see contemporary South African masterpieces but also to experience ’’live’’ South African art, through participation in creative process with the guest artists and crafters form the South african Free State region.
Entrance was, of course, free.
About Belgrade:
Belgrade is the capital of Serbia, and has a population of around 1.7 million, making it one of the largest cities of Southeastern Europe. It is situated on the Balkan Peninsula, at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe and has since ancient times been an important focal point for traffic, an intersection of the roads of Eastern and Western Europe. Its name translates to White city.
Belgrade is the capital of Serbian culture, education, science and economy. As a result of its tumultuous history, Belgrade has for centuries been home to many nationalities, with Serbs of the Orthodox Christian religion making up the majority of the population (90%). The official language is Serbian, while visitors from abroad can use English to communicate.
Belgrade is developing at a vigorous rate into one of the most attractive investment locations in this part of Europe. It represents one of the largest and fastest growing markets in South East Europe, while regulatory and business conditions are improving every day. There are huge potentials as it is located on major European transportation corridors No. 10 and No. 7, which link Western and Central Europe with the Middle East. Lying at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube Rivers, it is also easily accessible by river, while the completion of construction of an international cargo terminal is to make Belgrade Airport a cargo hub of South East Europe.
Belgrade offers all investors a high sales potential in international and local markets due to free-trade agreement with the markets of the European Union, USA, Russia and Belarus, which comprise almost one billion people.
Belgrade is the centre of culture and art of Serbia. With over 11.000 theatrical performances, exhibitions, concerts, performance events, and other artistic programs are presented and where prominent authors in the world of art are hosted. Belgrade is the centre of the highest state and national institutions of culture and art: Serbian Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Library of Serbia, the National Museum, the National Theatre and the University of Arts. The City of Belgrade is the founder of 36 cultural institutions (11 theatres, 8 institutions for protection of cultural values, 4 libraries, 13 cultural centers and galleries) and the supporter of 2 public companies, at the same time the contributor in the implementation of schedules and scheduled attractions of 231 institutions and artistic associations.
Belgrade has also a reputation for offering a vibrant nightlife, and many clubs that are open until dawn can be found throughout the city.
After two successful Belgrade events in previous years Africa Village will in 2011 present the amazing "Meeting point" art exhibition to Belgrade audience. After the Vienna premiere, visitors in Belgrade will have a chance to see this unique art exhibition that include various pieces of South African contemporary art made by most recognized South African artists.
Thursday, 22.09
- 20.00h - Exhibition opening
Friday, 23.09
- 12.00 - 22.00h - Exhibition „South Africa Meeting Point“ is open for visitors
- 13.00 - 15.00h - Creative workshops: South African craft - production techniques
Radionice omogućavaju učesnicima da uz pomoć gostujućih demonstratora iz Južne Afrike nauče na licu mesta tehnike izrade predmeta od žice, perlica i drugih maštovitih materijala. Dinamične radionice sa gostujućim zanatlijama pomeraju granice hands-on pristupa omogućavajući učesnicima da iz prve ruke nauče tehnike izrade različitih predmeta, kao i da ta znanja, po principu po kojem se tradicija unutar kulture prenosi s generacije na generaciju – ponesu sa sobom i nakon posete Muzeju, podele je sa nekim, ali i iskoriste u daljem profesionalnom ili kreativnom radu.
Tokom radionica, kustosi Muzeja afričke umetnosti će tumačiti značenja, tradicionalne simbole i savremenu upotrebu izrađivanih predmeta.
- 19.00h - Walk - talk: g-din Dan Andrew Mokhuwe Kgothule, Ministar kulture Južnoafričke provincije Free State i Narcisa Knežević-Šijan, Direktor MAU.
Posetioci će imati jedinstvenu priliku da, kroz razgovor sa ministrom za kulturu, umetnost i sport južnoafričkog Free State regiona, g-dinom Dan Andrew Mokhuwe Kgothule, šire upoznaju društveni kontekst u kojem stvaraju umetnici čiji će radovi biti izloženi. Ministar će takođe dati uvid u kulturnu i ekonomsku važnost podržavanja razvoja umetnosti u savremenoj Južnoafričkoj Republici.
- 20.00h - Muzika i ples.
Branko Trijić, gitarista i perkusionista, sa studentima đembea: „Afričke improvizacije“
Subota, 24.09. - Muzej afričke umetnosti
- 12.00h - Izložba „South Africa ART Meeting Point“ otvorena za posetioce
- 13.00h - 15.00h - Kreativne radionice: Južnoafrički zanati (’’Crafts’’) – tehnike izrade umetničkih predmeta
Radionice omogućavaju učesnicima da uz pomoć gostujućih demonstratora iz Južne Afrike nauče na licu mesta tehnike izrade predmeta od žice, perlica i drugih maštovitih materijala. Dinamične radionice sa gostujućim zanatlijama pomeraju granice hands-on pristupa omogućavajući učesnicima da iz prve ruke nauče tehnike izrade različitih predmeta, kao i da ta znanja, po principu po kojem se tradicija unutar kulture prenosi s generacije na generaciju – ponesu sa sobom i nakon posete Muzeju, podele je sa nekim, ali i iskoriste u daljem profesionalnom ili kreativnom radu.
Tokom radionica, kustosi Muzeja afričke umetnosti će tumačiti značenja, tradicionalne simbole i savremenu upotrebu izrađivanih predmeta.
- 19.00h - Walk - talk: g-din Bongani Mkhonza, kustos izložbe i Narcisa Knežević-Šijan, Direktor MAU.
Posetioci će, kroz razgovor sa kustosom izložbe, g-dinom Bongani Mkhonza, imati priliku da se bliže upoznaju sa delima koje stvaraju umetnici čiji će radovi biti izloženi kao i sa umetničkim potencijalima i trendovima Južnoafričke Republike.
Nedelja, 25.09. Muzej afričke umetnosti
- 12.00h - Izložba „South Africa ART Meeting Point“ otvorena za posetioce
- 13.00 - 15.00h - Kreativne radionice: Južnoafrički zanati (’’Crafts’’) – tehnike izrade umetničkih predmeta
Radionice omogućavaju učesnicima da uz pomoć gostujućih demonstratora iz Južne Afrike nauče na licu mesta tehnike izrade predmeta od žice, perlica i drugih maštovitih materijala. Dinamične radionice sa gostujućim zanatlijama pomeraju granice hands-on pristupa omogućavajući učesnicima da iz prve ruke nauče tehnike izrade različitih predmeta, kao i da ta znanja, po principu po kojem se tradicija unutar kulture prenosi s generacije na generaciju – ponesu sa sobom i nakon posete Muzeju, podele je sa nekim, ali i iskoriste u daljem profesionalnom ili kreativnom radu.
Tokom radionica, kustosi Muzeja afričke umetnosti će tumačiti značenja, tradicionalne simbole i savremenu upotrebu izrađivanih predmeta.
- 20.00h - Pozdrav gostima kroz muziku i ples.
Branko Trijić, gitarista i perkusionista, sa studentima đembea: „Afričke improvizacije“