Lize van Robbroeck

Introduction to Modern Black Artists in South Africa

• Emergence of the first generation of modern black artists in early 20th century South Africa.

• Context: Post-Anglo-Boer War tensions and the proclamation of the Union in 1910.

• Definition of "modern" art: Art that reflects European colonial impact, separating from traditional African art techniques.

• Focus on artists: George Pemba, Gerard Sekoto, Ernest Mancoba, with references to Simoni Mnguni, Arthur Butelezi, Gerard Bhengu, and John Koenakeefe Mohl.

• Artists are educated, Christianized members of a small black middle class.

African Nationalism and Political Context

• Significant period for African nationalism with establishment of SANNC in 1912 (predecessor of ANC) and Afrikaner National Party in 1914.

• Issues: Formation of South African national identity and the growing demands of the black majority.

• Historical context of increasing race-based discrimination shifting from class-based discrimination in the late 19th century.

• Role of educated African Christians in advocating moderate political strategies.

• Influence of Victorian liberal values on educated African political figures.

The Role of Art in National Identity

• Artists described as portraying a "modern African" identity focusing on education and Christianity.

• Modern identity emphasized in contrast to ethnic traditions to advocate for equal rights.

• Depictions of modern life as a form of self-representation to counter negative stereotypes from white artists.

• Use of European styles and mediums (e.g., oil on canvas) by black artists as a form of cultural appropriation and resistance.

Artists' Political Responsibilities

• African artists' commitment to depict the plight of urban workers.

• Pemba's diary highlights the role of art in educating humanity about African lives.

• Sekoto and Pemba saw art as a bridge between white and black communities, promoting a shared humanity.

Questions of Tradition and Modernity

• Themes of alienation as educated Africans navigate between traditional heritage and modernity.

• The quest for identity among educated black artists in a colonial context.

• Pemba and other artists' deep awareness of their privilege while being sympathetic to the urban proletariat.

Influence of Christianity and Ubuntu Philosophy

• Common Christian heritage among artists influencing their worldview and political strategies.

• Concept of ubuntu (“I am because we are”) tied to their aspirations towards a unified human experience.

Criticism and Ambivalence Towards Assimilation

• Ambivalence within moderate African nationalism and the inadequacy of assimilation as a political strategy.

• Efforts by the black bourgeoisie for recognition often met with failure, positioning them as “mimic-men.”

• Pemba's later work reflects frustration and includes overt political commentary critiquing systemic oppression.