Southern Guild, a renowned art gallery, opens today its Los Angeles location with two exhibitions. ‘Mother Tongues’, featuring 25 African artists, is one of the two exhibitions, on display until April 18th.

The exhibition features artists such as Zanele Muholi, Jody Paulsen, Jozua Gerrard, Justine Mahoney, Tony Gum, Manyaku Mashilo, Oluseye, Andile Dyalvane, Patrick Bongoy, Dominique Zinkpè, Usha Seejarim, Rich Mnisi, Luyanda Zindela, and Kamyar Bineshtarigh.

‘Mother Tongues’ aims to foster a dialogue of diverse expressions, examining how language and teaching translate into various art forms. “Mother tongue” signifies more than a first language; it’s a primary means of engaging with and understanding the world. Southern Guild’s expansion into California follows a historical precedent set in the late 1960s when South African artists established a cultural bridge between South Africa and California.

The exhibition explores the intimate vernacular languages, our “mother tongues,” and their role in shaping memories and meanings. It also highlights the unique bureaucracies and rituals of these languages, revealing a politic veiled in the familial, traditional, and mundane aspects of life.

Southern Guild aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of humanitarian, environmental, and societal concerns with targeted projects, large-scale installations, and immersive experiences. Their artists explore personal narratives, cultural structures, and social change.

Source: Southern Guild