Impressions of Rorke’s Drift from The Jumuna Collection in Johannesburg

Impressions of Rorke’s Drift – The Jumuna Collection
Museum Africa, Johannesburg; 10 March – 25 May 2014

Impressions of Rorke’s Drift is curated by Thembinkosi Goniwe drawing works from the Jumuna Family collection, looking at the phenomenal legacy of the iconic Rorke’s Drift Arts and Craft Centre.

The exhibition – made possible through gracious support from the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) – is open to the public at Museum Africa in Johannesburg 10 March – 25 May 2014, and will then travel to the Iziko South African National Gallery in Cape Town, 23 July to 2 November 2014.

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. 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.

The original ‘Evangelical Lutheran Church Art and Craft Centre’, which was established by Swedish missionaries Peder and Ulla Gowenius in 1962, gave a voice to many talented artists who would otherwise have been denied the opportunity to further their craft. The Swedish missionaries also enabled the work to be seen by an international audience at a time when South Africa’s art could not easily access a global stage.

The Centre concentrated initially on weaving and pottery, but these facilities developed into a printmaking studio which attracted artists from all over the country and beyond. The process of print-making enabled art to reach a wider audience – works could travel to multiple destinations and was affordable for the artists and the buyers.

“The importance of Rorke’s Drift cannot be under estimated,” explains Goniwe. 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. Impressions of Rorke’s Drift showcases works of artists who contributed to the making of democratic South Africa.”? Regrettably, no formal archive or permanent exhibition of the work from Rorke’s Drift exists, but the Jumuna Family from Durban has been collecting pieces made in the Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre since the 1960s and have graciously made their family collection available for this exhibition. As a result, the public is offered a chance to see a significant body of work representing the Rorke’s Drift legacy – in one exhibition – for the first time.

The exhibition showcases over 100 pieces (mostly prints) from 17 artists, and a fascinating educational program will accompany the show, including input from experts within the print and art sectors.

Impressions of Rorke’s Drift – The Jumuna Collection is on show at Museum Africa, Old Market Building, 121 Bree Street, Newtown; from 10 March until 25 May 2014. Museum Africa is open Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00, and closed on Mondays. For more information see www.kizo.co.za.

A free walkabout with the curator will take place on Monday 10 March at 10:00 at Museum Africa. No booking is necessary.

For more information on the Centre see www.centre-rorkesdrift.com.

Museum Africa
Old Market Building, 121 Bree Street, Newtown
Tel: 011 833 5624
Exhibition hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Free Admission

Author: Fiona Gordon from The Famous Idea.
No of Images Uploaded: Three
More Info link: https://www.kizo.co.za/index.php/projects/current-projects-menu
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Images: For high res version/s of Three image/s please contact: The Famous Idea.

Thembinkosi Goniwe, the curator of Impressions of Rorke’s Drift. Photo by: Rajesh Jantilal

Natal and Zululand. 1974. With permission from the John Muafangejo Trust

Image from Impressions of Rorke’s Drift – the Jumuna Collection. Dumisani Mabaso. 1984. Photo by: Dumisani Mabaso

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