The historical exhibition reflecting on South Africans’ freedom is open for public viewing in the Reservoir at the Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Bloemfontein, until 30 July.
The exhibition, titled This is us: Celebrating 29 Years of Freedom, is presented by the museum under the auspices of the Art Bank of South Africa (ArtbankSA).
The showcasing is dedicated to the working class, to those who have fought for democracy and the restoration of human dignity, and for those who face imprisonment due to poverty.
Featured are artworks from the ArtbankSA Contemporary Art Collection exhibition. The exhibition reflects on capitalists exploiting the poor, and also displays the resilience of the very poor who struggle for freedom.
The capitalist class used their power to suppress and exploit the poor families and individuals to barely meet their basic needs, trapping them in debt and forced labour. The resilience of the poor in society, against all odds, is underlined by their strengths and capabilities commemorated annually on Freedom Day, 27 April, and Workers’ Day, 1 May.
“We are inspired to aspire, to lead, and fight for a better life for those who are in desperate need. We are reminded to be compassionate towards one another and, lastly, we are reminded of how far South Africa has come,” said Karen Marais, senior exhibition officer at the museum.
The exhibition is open to the public from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 17:00, then Saturdays and Sundays, as well as public holidays, between 09:00 and 16:00.
Entrance is free and secure parking is available for visitors at R10 per vehicle (cash only).
