Print in the spotlight: Impressions of Rorke’s Drift

‘Impressions of Rorke’s Drift - The Jumuna Collection’ will be displayed at the Iziko South African National Gallery (ISANG) from 23 July until 2 November 2014. Curated by Thembinkosi Goniwe, the exhibition includes over 100 works (comprising mainly prints) from 17 artists, who attended the renowned Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In conversation with those of the Jumuna Collection are artworks drawn from ISANG’s Permanent Collection. The exhibition is drawn entirely from the Jumuna family’s private collection. ‘Impressions of Rorke’s Drift’ offers the chance to see a substantial body of work characterising the Rorke’s Drift legacy, with a view to stimulating discussion on the impact and importance of printing on South African art. The Rorke’s Drift Art and Craft Centre operated for a mere twenty years (1962-1982) and had a major impact on South African contemporary art. Some of the country’s most influential artists emerged from Rorke’s Drift, including Sam Nhlengethwa, Pat Mautloa, John Muafangejo, Kay Hassan, Dumisani Mabaso, Bongiwe Dhlomo, Azaria Mbatha, Paul Sibisi, Lionel Davis and Sandile Zulu, among others. No complete archive of the phenomenal output of the centre’s artists exists outside of this collection, making it invaluable to the art world. www.iziko.org.za