August 10, 2024 - September 06, 2024
UNISA Art Gallery
Heritage of Heroines" is an exhibition that serves to pay homage to the multifaceted and profound contributions of women in the art sector and creative industries. Celebrating their unique contributions and creative endeavours, the exhibition showcases works from the UNISA Art Collection created by exceptional women artists. Heritage of Heroines delves into the archetypal stories, anecdotes, and narratives reflective of themes that delve into notions of identity, gender inequality, artmaking, and socioeconomic considerations of artists who are women.
The exhibition Heritage of Heroines aligns with the UNISA’s catalytic Niche Area of Feminist, Womanist, and Bosadi Theorisations instituted by the Vice Chancellor of the University. These frameworks provide fertile ground for exploring the intersections of gender, identity, and societal structures, and further emphasize the importance of women's voices and perspectives in academic and cultural discourses. By embracing these theoretical perspectives, the exhibition seeks to illuminate the lived experiences of women, particularly those who have been historically marginalized.
The artworks presented in Heritage of Heroines span a wide array of media, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, and integrated media, from distinguished artists such as Tuli Mekondjo, Nomusa Makhubu, Lien Botha, Josephine Gheza, Gael Neke, Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi, Andrea Du Plessis, Pip Curling and M. Florine Démosthène, amongst others, bringing forward narratives that are rich in cultural heritage. Addressing notions of spirituality, freedom, home, gender roles, technical excellence, and storytelling, "Heritage of Heroines" probes deeply into stories and narratives from women across the continent and beyond emphasizing the importance of collecting and acquiring artworks from women who are artists. A further distinction is placed on the artworks as an essential part of our heritage in how they can be employed to highlight the importance of language, belonging, traditions, legacy, and cultural identity, as they actively accentuate the importance of preservation and the role of art in maintaining cultural continuity.
The exhibition also engages with the art and craft debate as well as the gendered lens of collection culture, highlighting the economic struggles of women artists who are often paid less which perpetuates notions of poverty, deprivation, and distress amongst artists who are. By showcasing the work of the select artists, the exhibition advocates for their recognition and fair compensation, challenging the systemic inequities that persist in the art and creative sectors.
"Heritage of Heroines" is more than an exhibition; it is a commemoration of the collective heritage and resilience of women. It is an invitation to explore, reflect, and celebrate the remarkable contributions of women artists to our cultural and historical landscape. This exhibition is a powerful testament to the transformative power of art and the enduring strength of women.
VIRTUAL TOUR OF EXHIBITION (Click to open virtual tour)
