Exhibition Review for Rise - The People First : An Exhibition By Zito Mowa

A song for our unsung heroes - A review for Zito Mowa’s Exhibition

By

Mmatshepo Gaspa Mazibuko

Our generation has a lot of unsung heroes, but the light of change is upon us. This was evident on the night of the 7th of June 2018 - when the neglected parts of what makes South Africa were under a spotlight in an exceptional exhibition by Kgodiso Zito Mowa in collaboration with Umuzi.Org First Thursdays.

#Rise

The people first  

#Rise was a mirage in the heart of Braamfontein and a diverse group of South African young people flocked there. The colours filled their eyes with a euphoric awe and the music stole their hearts. It is amazing how a raging storm can be calmed in an image - how Zito was able to engineer a fierce situation and turn it into an inspiring celebration through an artistic medium which everyone was able to engage with.  

Some  amazing statements came from people who recognised the truth that existed in the art:

“The youth who are afraid to have a voice will now know that even people of very few words can have loud voices without opening their mouths. This exhibition has showed and inspired me to use art for healing, to use art to unite with other people for causes we believe in. It reminded me that we still have a lot to learn and a lot of ignorance to shed.”

Another reflected “ I have never taken part in any protests in my life but I do understand the struggles of my generation and the pictures on the wall make me appreciate the people who fight on our behalf, especially when some of us have no hope or faith in the situation becoming better, this is inspiring indeed.”

The aesthetic of the venue was warm - I know!

The exhibition space was intimate, the curation was exceptional, the artwork lit up the room and created a beautiful ambiance of calm energy and a sense of wonder - as individuals were getting lost in the music and finding their inner hero’s strength to believe in a better south Africa.

Thank you Zito for taking the stand to #Rise and inspire us to do the same.