While living in South Africa, artist Raymond Allard spent time interviewing key Black and white artists, painters, print makers and sculptors. He will give a presentation entitled, "Art Against Oppression in South Africa" on Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 6-8 pm at the Tweed Museum of Art. The event is free and open to the public.
He focused on their creative responses to censorship and racial separation during the apartheid era. From these rich interviews, Ray selects images of South African artists. His presentation weaves in artists comments on the efforts and their impact. He uses the pieces of art his interviewees created to tell a story about meaningful concerns.
He also delves into post-apartheid issues of national and racial identity, and artistic representation in that country. "In studying for my masters degree, during the three years I lived in Durban, South Africa, I was inspired by the courage, dedication and invention of artists living under the abysmal conditions of apartheid. That taught me a lesson which is of extreme importance in today's world." says Ray.
The talk marks the celebration of the 2018 centenary of the birth of Nelson Mandela—Nobel Prize Laureate, humanitarian, and the first democratically-elected president of South Africa.
This is an opportunity for all students and faculty to come and experience this influential and meaningful art.
The event is held in collaboration with the Mandela Centenary Committee-Duluth. See Facebook.com/DuluthforMandela.
The Tweed Museum of Art is located at 1201 Ordean Court, in Duluth, Minn.
About the Tweed Museum of Art
Above: Detail of artwork by Gabisile Nkosi.