Eclectica Contemporary, “Incantations”: African Women and Non-binary Artists’ Practices for Liberation
Republic of South Africa_Cape Town
Cape Town-based contemporary art gallery eclectica contemporary presents “Incantations,” a group exhibition of African women and non-binary artists, through September 30.
‘Incantation’ can be translated as the art of enchanting, and is often understood as a sacred message, text, charm, spell, or counsel, and more literally as an “instrument of thought.” By intervening in conventional representations of women and queer bodies, the participating artists resist the dominant patriarchal social order and imagine more liberating possibilities. By viewing the artists’ practices as incantations, the exhibition seeks to demonstrate the ritualistic potential of art for protection, healing, affirmation, and creative resistance.
Bronze sculptures, photographs, and paintings are on display. The show explores themes such as the meditative process of making art, the intimate relationship between women and nature, the intrinsic meaning of the human body, the perpetuation of misogyny in society, and African racial and cultural identity. Participating artists include Leo Makgekgenene, Nthabiseng Kekana, Hannah Fleishman, Haneem Christian, Hannalie Taute, Gemma Shepherd, Rochelle Nembhard, Anushka Kempken, Souad Abdelrassoul, Tayhe Munsamy, and Osaru Obaseki.
