The Latitudes Center for the Arts (LCA), located in the heart of Cape Town, presents a captivating and thought-provoking exhibition titled “All That She Carried.” This large-scale exhibition celebrates Women’s Month by showcasing contemporary art that delves into the complexities of womanhood, identity, and history.
“All That She Carried” draws its name from Tiya Alicia Miles’s New York Times bestseller title. The book traces the journey of a single object passed down through three generations of Black women. It is a testament to those often left out of historical archives. Inspired by this narrative, the exhibition is a perfect springboard for exploring the current landscape for women artists in South Africa.
The exhibition is centered around two themes:
Women in progress
Instead of looking at women as complete whole beings, “All That She Carried” offers a refreshing look into women’s journey to becoming ‘her.’ Centering its focus on South African women, the exhibition offers an insight into the intricate complexities of womanhood. Moreover, it peels back layers, revealing how women instinctively question and evolve within themselves. The exhibition embraces the work in progress, acknowledging the silent moments of imperfection and incompletion as vital grounds for personal revelations and rebirth.
Madikotsi “Mummy” Khumalo- BULA LEMATI III. Acrylic and collage on canvas. 42 by 30cm. Image courtesy of Latitudes Online.
Women in Motion
The absence of women’s representation in historical art canons, particularly for Black women artists and women of color, is undeniable. “All That She Carried” pays homage to their strength and resilience. It explores the figurative and literal tools that women carry with them, shaping their identities and influencing their journeys. The exhibition serves as a tribute to the struggle to preserve parts of history. Moreover, it showcases the progress of women in their journey of self-discovery.
The roster of participating artists includes creative visionaries Boemo Diale, Teresa Kutala Firmino, Hemali Khoosal, Madikotsi “Mummy” Khumalo, Lebogang Mabusela, Theresa-Anne Mackintosh, Turiya Magadlela, Tinyiko Makawakwa, Maja Maljevic, Yolanda Mazwana, Puleng Mongale, Ruth Seopedi Motau, Nandipha Mtambo, Tyra Naidoo, Lerato Nkosi, Buqaqawuli Thamani Nobakada, Cinthia Sifa Mulanga, Usha Seejarim, Lady Skollie, Mbali Tshabalala, Lucy Jane Turpin, and Charity Vilakazi. These artists bring their unique perspectives to the exhibition, and their creations shed light on the intricate intersections of identity, history, and self-expression.
The exhibition is set to debut at the Latitudes Centre for the Arts (LCA). It is live and open from August 18 to September 23, 2023. This is an extraordinary opportunity to engage with diverse artistic voices. Each artist contributes to a more extensive dialogue about women’s strength, resilience, and continuous journey in South Africa and beyond.
The exhibition invites you to step into a world where art transcends boundaries and bridges gaps, where history converges with the present, and where the indomitable spirit of women shines bright.
