Norval Foundation is pleased to announce the opening of ‘We, the People: 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa’, an exhibition curated by Liese van der Watt that explores three decades of South Africa’s democratic journey and the country’s transformation
through powerful visual art.
2024 represents a landmark historical moment: it is 30 years since the first democratic elections were held in South Africa and since the African National Congress (ANC) came into power heralding Nelson Mandela’s inaugural term as president of a divided nation.
The exhibition, which opens on 5 December 2024, offers a thought-provoking and innovative exploration of the country’s democratic evolution by looking at four general theses that engage with a different aspect of South African society. To Belong addresses the lasting effects of colonial and apartheid-era land dispossession on people’s sense of belonging. To Protest looks at
social movements fighting for equality and the challenges of protest violence. To Care focuses on environmental issues, highlighting the intersection of environmental and social justice. To Be Heard critiques the idea of the ‘Rainbow Nation’ and promotes ‘world-making’ as another way to embrace South Africa’s diverse society and how to navigate it.
The show serves to commemorate 30 years of democracy and also encourages viewers to participate in the continuing work of democratic transformation. Liese van der Watt, exhibition curator, said “Democracy is not something we have; it is something we do. The art in this exhibition challenges the past, questions the present, and envisions a future where democracy is something we continually create together.”
Dr Liese van der Watt is a South African art historian and curator currently based in London after previously lecturing at the University of Cape Town. Her writing and curatorial projects focus on contemporary African art and she is a member of Zeitz MOCAA’s Global Council.
“Coming past the 30th anniversary of such a monumental moment in our country’s history – the very advent of our democracy – we’ve taken a step back to reflect on how artists have responded to the transformations and changes that have taken place in our young country. We trust this exhibition will be interesting to guests, both young and old, offering insights into visual narratives crafted throughout the past three decades. It’s a special moment to be able to showcase this exhibition at Norval Foundation”, shares Norval Foundation Museum Director, Caroline Greyling.
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 5 December 2024 until 22 November 2025.