This exhibition, curated by Liese van der Watt for Norval Foundation, offers a nuanced perspective on the country’s democratic journey, framing it not as a static given but an ongoing process. The exhibition utilises “countervisuality,” a concept developed by visual theorist Nicholas Mirzoeff, to disrupt dominant narratives and create space for marginalised perspectives.
Structured around four interconnected themes, the exhibition chooses artworks that delve into the complexities of South African society. “To Belong” confronts the enduring impact of colonial and apartheid land dispossession on notions of belonging. “To Protest” examines the role of social movements in pushing for greater equality while acknowledging the complexities of protest violence. “To Care” explores environmental issues through the lens of Anne Tsing’s “collaborative survival,” highlighting the intersection of environmental and social justice. Finally, “To Be Heard” challenges the simplistic “Rainbow Nation” narrative, advocating for “world-making” as a more accurate framework for understanding the diversity of South Africa’s society and how to negotiate this.
By bringing together these themes, and a wide variety of artists working after 1994, the exhibition suggests that South Africa’s democratic project requires more than political rights – it demands economic justice, environmental sustainability, and the ability for all voices to be heard. Through this lens, democracy becomes a collective creative endeavor, requiring active participation in shaping a more equitable and inclusive society. The exhibition thus serves not merely as a commemoration of 30 years of democracy but as an invitation to actively participate in the continuing work of democratic transformation. It suggests that true democracy requires us to really find one another and be open to each other to engage in the difficult but necessary work of building a shared future.
The artworks in this exhibition have been chosen for the ways in which they actively engage our democracy and include contributions by Igshaan Adams, Dineo Seshee Bopape, Candice Breitz, Wim Botha, Bronwyn Katz, Sabelo Mlangeni, Walter Meyer, Gugulective, the Keiskamma Art Project, and many others.
We, the People: 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa is curated by Liese van der Watt and supported by Carmen Joubert. The exhibition runs from 6 December 2024 until 22 November 2025.
Source: Norval Foundation
