JHB North - April 24
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CURATORS IN THE<br />
SPOTLIGHT<br />
We shine the light on three young talented Joburg artists<br />
Living. Dead. From the African continent or one of the Old<br />
Masters. Chances are you can name more than a handful<br />
of artists, right? But can you say the same for curators? The<br />
answer is more than likely ‘no’ – and that’s not surprising.<br />
After all, curating is behind-the-scenes work.<br />
And that’s why it doesn’t get the credit it deserves –<br />
although curators are some of the most important<br />
figures in the art world, not only keeping an eye to global<br />
developments that shape the art world, but in turn reflecting<br />
those trends through conversations with artists and their<br />
audiences. Think about the impact that has on the way those<br />
audiences see the world, and it’s clear that their role isn’t just<br />
about putting together a coherent exhibition.<br />
That’s why Latitudes joined forces with RMB to launch the<br />
RMB Latitudes CuratorLab, a programme which aims to offer<br />
curators from across the Africa the opportunity to hone<br />
their conceptual curatorial skills. In so doing, they’ll deepen<br />
curatorial practice throughout the continent, while providing<br />
an opportunity to flex that freshly developed curatorial<br />
muscle when they plan their own exhibitions, to be viewed<br />
at Latitudes Online (latitudes.online).<br />
Ten curators were selected in this year’s iteration of the<br />
programme, representing Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria,<br />
Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa – and we’re<br />
proud to say that the three South African curators all hail<br />
from Johannesburg.<br />
Text: LISA WITEPSKI • Photographer: NICOLE MOORE. Details: nicolemoorephotography.co.za<br />
• Make-up for Kamogelo Sebopa: MAKEUP BY RYNO, 071-688-0<strong>24</strong>2.<br />
Art as interrogation<br />
For Kamogelo Sebopa, a Fine Art Honours candidate at<br />
Wits, art is a way to interrogate the world.<br />
Perhaps that’s why she’s been experimenting with art since<br />
she was at school – her love of the visual is a way of trying<br />
on different lenses that allow her to see what’s around her<br />
in new ways. After a job shadowing stint at the Everard<br />
Read Gallery opened her eyes to the possibilities art offered<br />
– from making her own marks to becoming a gallery owner<br />
– Kamogelo fell even more in love with art.<br />
Kamogelo’s interest is currently focused on the<br />
performative aspect of print-making, and the therapeutic<br />
qualities of rhythm, repetition and pattern. So, how does<br />
curation fit into this? “I think it informs my artistic practice<br />
in terms of research. I enjoy looking at artists who explore<br />
certain themes,” she says.<br />
Having only recently embarked on her curatorial journey,<br />
she’s already racked up some impressive credits, taking<br />
part in exhibitions for the Wits Art Gallery and FNB Art<br />
Joburg. And what’s she seen of the industry thrills her. “It’s<br />
an exciting time for upcoming artists. I’ve noticed that<br />
it’s becoming easier for them to navigate the art world<br />
and gain exposure, especially compared to the early<br />
2000s, when it was very exclusive. It’s wonderful to see<br />
my age mates gaining that global recognition and having<br />
more freedom. I think we have the Internet to thank for<br />
dismantling the old ways of doing things.”<br />
12 Get It Magazine <strong>April</strong> <strong>24</strong>