Norval Foundation presents ‘We, The People: 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa’, a celebration of 30 years of democratic South Africa and Kaloki Nyamai’s ‘Kaloki Nyamai: Ithokoo masuiluni’, an exhibition which takes inspiration from quotidian life in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya where the artist was raised and is now based.
‘We, the People’, curated by Liese van der Watt for Norval Foundation, offers a nuanced perspective on South Africa’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.
By bringing together various themes and a wide variety of artists working after 1994, the year South Africa became a democratic nation, the exhibition suggests that South Africa’s democratic project requires more than political rights – it demands economic justice, environmental sustainability as well as 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 their active engagement of 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, among 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 until the 22nd of November 2025 and Norval Foundation, Cape Town.
Additionally at Norval Foundation, is Kaloki Nyamai’s ‘Ithokoo masuiluni’, which takes its inspiration from the artist’s quotidian life in Nairobi, the capital city where he was raised and is now based.
Nyamai merges traditional and contemporary perspectives, creating a distinctive form of visual storytelling. His large-scale paintings and mixed-media installations intricately explore historical narratives, examining their resonance in the present. Rooted in Kenya’s rich heritage—particularly that of the Kamba people—Nyamai draws inspiration from his mother, grandmother, and the dynamic rhythms of contemporary life in Nairobi.
His works reflect a deep engagement with history, weaving together pre-colonial imagery and references to modern photographs and media, signaling the ongoing conversation and coexistence between past and present. In his latest series, ‘Ithokoo masuiluni’, Nyamai delves into the potential for new realities. He uncovers and proposes narratives of an awaited morning that promises new beginnings. The exhibition features three free-hanging pieces made with acrylic paint, sisal rope, photo transfers, and yarn stitched onto the canvas, alluding to the healing of past wounds and fractures in Kenyan history and a collective yearning for renewal.
This body of work is both visually striking and thematically profound, addressing the complex relationship between historical trauma, current social unrest and the hope for regeneration. In these large-scale installations, Nyamai creates a platform where past, present and future converge poetically. Nyamai’s work makes use of youth-led uprisings and resistance as a central theme for his works, using scenes from protest actions around the world, including Kenya, Bangladesh and Nigeria as a key visual motif.
By intertwining personal memory, historical events, and contemporary struggles, Nyamai envisions a future where healing and transformation are possible—where new beginnings can emerge and new realities can take shape. These powerful, immersive works not only tell the story of Kenya’s past but also offer a hopeful vision for a new dawn, both for the artist’s homeland and the broader regional community in the aftermath of seemingly never-ending chaos. Kaloki Nyamai: ‘Ithokoo masuiluni’ is curated by Brett Scott, Norval Foundation Collections Manager. The exhibition is available to view until the 23rd of November 2025.
Further on what you can expect at Norval Foundation is a walkthrough of their exhibitions and a stroll through the Sculpture Garden for both first-time visitors and long-time supporters in celebration of Museum Day on the 18th of May 2025. You’re invited to enjoy a full day of art, architecture and nature.
Lastly, Norval Foundation’s Art & Sip: Drawing Experience taking place on Saturday the 31st of May 2025 from 11:00 until 14:00. This is an invitation to escape the Cape Town winter chill with a relaxed, guided art session accompanied by warming, African-inspired beverages. This event is suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike and offers the chance to slow down, explore creativity while enjoying a tranquil afternoon at Norval Foundation. Tickets for all events are available via Webtickets where you can receive up to 50% off day passes.
