Gallery exhibits Gwetai’s works

The exhibition, the third solo project by the artist, seeks to explore the contemporary world.

It will be held on Thursday 30 August at 5.30pm.

In an interview yesterday, Gwetai said the exhibition was about the digital world that has evolved in Africa and this digital divide had redefined the continent.

“The exhibition will be about the digital divide that we are in. I will be looking at the African that has been redefined by the technology and I will be using art to show that,” said Gwetai.

He said because of this, identity was now based on fingerprints, DNA and identity documents not based on traditional regalia.

“Africa has finally entered the modern lifestyle and thus as an African has also changed in identity in this digitalised context we live in.

“Our identity is proved through fingerprints, DNA and identity numbers and no longer incisions that identify one’s tribe and not the traditional regalia to be identified with,” said Gwetai.

He said materials that were used to come up with the exhibition include wood, metal and oil paint.

“I used wood and metal for the sculptures and oil paint for the paintings.

“These would be fused to come up with the artworks,” said Gwetai.

He said during the exhibition he would launch his website that chronicles his life and achievements.

In a statement, the assistant curator of the NGZ, Clifford Zulu said the exhibition re-engages the context of African art.

He said the middle aged would enjoy the exhibition because it addresses the identity crises they have.

“Through aesthetic codes Gwetai re-engages the idea of the functional art in the context of African art.

“This exhibition will be more interesting and appealing to the middle aged group of our society as it addresses some element of identity crises yet those over 60 will have to look back and have a moment of relief as to how identity, science and art continues to make the world so beautiful to live in,” said Zulu.