黑料不打烊

As the first of three Chapters following Fallow Ground, this exhibition delves into the interplay between art and natural materials, exploring how materiality can anchor contemporary practice in heritage and environment. Drawing from the broader themes of rest, sustainability, and creative renewal established in Fallow Ground, Chapter One foregrounds works by artists who engage deeply with organic and elemental resources, transforming them into vehicles for storytelling, cultural reflection, and spirituality.

The term 鈥渧ernacular鈥� refers to practices, languages, or materials that are deeply rooted in local traditions and everyday life. In the context of this exhibition, it highlights how the selected artists engage with materials that hold historical, and geographical significance. These materials are not only locally sourced but also carry a vernacular 鈥渓anguage鈥� that reflects specific social and historical contexts.

Featuring South African artists Inga Somdyala, Thami Kiti, Atang Tshikare, Bulumko Mbete, Pierre Vermeulen, Ben Stanwix and Xhanti Zwelendaba (collaborative practice), Seretse Moletsane, and Anna van der Ploeg, the exhibition showcases diverse practices that span sculpture, painting, beadwork, and carving. Each artist鈥檚 process is grounded in their relationship to natural materials鈥攂e it wood, soil, sweat, cow dung, or botanical dyes (using traditional herbal medicines like imphepho)鈥攈ighlighting materials formerly defined as artisanal or 鈥榗raft鈥�, and the critical role they have since taken on in representing authentic expression by contemporary artists living and working in South Africa.