South Africa has in the past fifteen years developed into a major centre of contemporary art, with several artists in the international limelight. Peekaboo is Finland’s first major review of the artists and themes in contemporary South African art.
20th August 2010 – 16th January 2011
The key theme shared by the featured artists is society in a constant state of flux. Apartheid was abolished in 1994, but its scars are still
visible. In addition to historical traumas, the artists are concerned with present insecurity, the changed role of religion and the
possibilities offered by new kinds of identities. Some works explore
personal experiences and others comment brutally or poetically on the
surrounding reality, sometimes using humour or satire. The history of
European art and modern life in South Africa converge in unexpected
ways.
The show features 20 artists:Jane Alexander, Roger Ballen, Conrad Botes, Wim Botha, Hasan
& Husain Essop, Pieter Hugo, Lunga Kama, Anton Kannemeyer, William
Kentridge, Lawrence Lemaoana, Nandipha Mntambo, Zanele Muholi, Daniel
Naudé, Claudette Schreuders, Johannes Segogela, Penny Siopis, Mikhael
Subotzky, Nontsikelelo Veleko, Diane Victor.
Peekaboo is produced and curated by the Helsinki Art Museum.
In addition to the artists, the South African partners in this venture are the Goodman Gallery, the Michael Stevenson Gallery and the
Brodie/Stevenson Gallery.
