south african contemporary art

mary sibande

born: 1980, barberton, mpumalanga

makes homage to the women in her life who worked as domestic workers

breaks stereotypes and makes commentary on the black female race, gender, and role in society

explores identity in post apartheid south africa

modus operandi

the reign (2010) 

sophie is seen riding a horse while wearing her trademark blue dress which has a purple under frock 

message 

symbolism

berni searle 

born: 1964, cape town, western cape 

her work explores history, identity, beauty 

artwork

colour me (1999-2000)

description

Searle is seen lying down naked on the floor and covered in different types of spices (paprika, ground cloves, and tumeric)

symbolism

spices

• reference to the spice trade that took place in cape town

symbolism (continued)

apartheid’s racial identification system were people were placed into 4 groups black, white, indian, coloured

marginalization and construction of  coloured people by the apartheid government