Contextual information for art in South Africa - All artists Flashcards
What was Apartheid?
Apartheid was the policy of the National Party who came to power in South Africa in 1948. The idea was that different races should be kept separate.
Did apartheid exist before 1948?
The races had already been segregated but it had not been codified in law until 1948.
What is township art?
The works of black artists that expressed township life in South Africa. Everyday life such as shebeens, church, etc. It shows how black people adapted to urbanisation.
What happened in 1989 at the Johannesburg Art Gallery?
They presented an exhibition of black artists called - “The Neglected Tradition: towards a new history of South African art (1930-1988)”.
Was it unusual to exhibit black artists during apartheid?
Yes, very little was written about black artists and art during apartheid.
What did “The Neglected Tradition: towards a new history of South African art (1930-1988)” attempt to change?
This was an important exhibition to change perceptions and to see a more represented history of South African art.
How did Africa influence Western art?
The ‘discovery’ of traditional art such as sculptures and masks played a major role in the development of Modernist Western Art in movements such as Fauvism, German Expressionism and Cubism.
What influence did indigenous art have on South African art?
The influence was not only about subject matter, but also a stylistic impact regarding line, shapes, etc.
Which parts of Africa had the greatest impact on the work of South African art?
Ancient Egypt and the San Rock Art of the Bushmen.
How did Africa influence artists like Irma Stern and Walter Battiss?
These artists looked deeply into their place of birth and identify with its African persona. Art, for them, became a dialogue with Africa. Inspiration came from indigenous art traditions.
How does art relate to politics?
It is a powerful means to criticise unjust political systems. It functions as social protest to make people aware of injustices in society.
When did South African art become political?
1976
What did South African artists paint before 1976?
Landscapes, still-lives, figure studies and abstract works mainly following European or American tendencies.
Who was president when Apartheid became official policy?
D.F. Malan
What type of laws were passed when Apartheid became law?
Laws to enforce the separate development of the races, such as the prohibition of mixed marriages act, the group areas act, and the Bantu education act.
What did the Apartheid laws mean for black people?
They had to carry a pass book at all times.
When did anti-pass campaign become strong?
1960
What was the Sharpville incident?
In 1960 the government killed 69 people and 178 more people were wounded during a protest against pass laws.
Which political parties were banned?
The ANC and the PAC were banned.
How did the world respond to the Sharpville incident?
The world turned its back on South Africa.
How did the Sharpville incident influence Nelson Mandela?
It pushed him to adopt an armed struggle instead of a peaceful protest.
When was Nelson Mandela criminally charged?
1963
What was Nelson Mandela’s trial called and how did it end?
The Rivonia trial. He was sent to Robben Island as a prisoner.
What type of art was made in South Africa after 1976?
The Soweto riots started and artists began to produce resistance art to protest against Apartheid.
What is important when looking at gender issues in art?
Both masculinity and femininity are important.
What is feminist art?
Art that was created by a female artist making a deliberate statement about what it means to be a woman.
What characterises feminist art?
A strong sense of exploration of female concerns and what happens to the female body. Opposition to traditional male-dominant art through the use of new media. A focus on inequality when it comes to women’s rights.
What topics do many feminist artists focus on?
Gender, sexuality, identity, historic roles of women in society, the female body as an active force in itself, woman craft techniques like embroidery and patchwork as media to create art.
What new types of media did women use to create feminist art?
Video, installations, performances and conceptual artworks of a fleeting nature that only live on in documentation such as photos and videos.
Does gender bias exist in the art world?
The art world is still dominated by men, especially outside the Western world.
Give and example of gender inequality outside the Western world.
In Iran women aren’t even allowed to watch live soccer matches.
What issues do women face daily in society?
Gender based violence and abuse;
Gender discrimination in education and the work place;
Cultural preferences for male children;
Cultural practices that prevent women from participating in society as equals like child marriage.
