On a bright Saturday morning, the Javett Art Centre at UP opened its doors to launch the first in a series of conversations under the theme “One and the Many”. This inaugural event focused on intergenerational dialogue through learning, exchange, and mentorship. The programme aims to explore South African art history from the perspective of the artists themselves, foregrounding personal and collective narratives. Speaking to mentorship, influence, support, and kinship, it explores how South African art history is forged through fundamental generosity, peer-to-peer interactions, and intergenerational relationships.
The day began with a tour featuring Bongi Dhlomo-Mautloa and Pat Mautloa, whose works are deeply embedded in South Africa’s cultural and political histories. This presented intimate insights into how different artists engage with themes of mentorship, influence, and intergenerational dialogue. The tour was facilitated by an exuberant Puleng Plessie who passionately explained the purpose of the exhibition. The guests got to move around, learning about the historical relevance of the art, the artists, and the value of intergenerational relationships. This was an open dialogue where guests could ask questions, discuss, and learn during the tour as the art was explored section by section. The tour unfolded across key chapters, including “The Altar”, “Fractured Forms”, and “The Garden”. Each section provoked thoughtful engagement, offering audiences fresh perspectives on how art operates as both historical record and evolving dialogue.
After a much-needed comfort break, a roundtable discussion, moderated by Dr Nomusa Makhubu, between the artists and the public took place. This dialogue examined how knowledge and influence travel across generations, what is preserved, what transforms, and what risks being lost. The discussion reminded everyone of how the past continues to shape the present.
Audience reflections highlighted the impact of the programme. When speaking to PDBY, Puleng Masindi said, “It is quite an honour to attend such exhibitions because they prioritise education and bring context into the art. The dialogue brought even more life to the works. It made me feel part of something larger than myself, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”
Another attendee shared similar sentiments: “I was captivated by how deeply this art runs. I realised it is not about aesthetics alone, but about culture, history, community, unity, and survival. The dialogue brought these themes together so gracefully. Art is a reminder that the world is beautiful and full of stories, and the artists are remarkable storytellers.”
“One and the Many” gave people an opportunity to witness the diverse narratives of South Africa’s history through the personal and collective recollections of artists. This exhibition was a perfect opportunity to view, connect, question, and understand the beautiful mysteries of art.
