Art exhibition at museum deals with colonialism
An exhibition of greyscale work by Mossel Bay artist Kenneth M Alexander opens at the Dias Museum today, Friday 2 February.
It forms part of the anniversary celebrations of the museum.
A grayscale image is black and white, with shades of grey.
Alexander says the works on the exhibition depict scenes from the tip of South Africa to Northern Africa and evoke emotions, challenge perspectives and spark meaningful conversations.
"The viewer is channelled to embrace this unique narrative and let it tell a story that resonates with authenticity and purpose," he says.
The exhibition explores the nuances of greyscale art within the context of South Africa's history and the impact of colonisation "which adds a profound layer to the work". Alexander says the exhibition "aims to remove colonial imprints and encourage the celebration of the inherent beauty found in the simplicity of greyscale".
He notes that it was "a deliberate choice to strip away external influences. The work is shades of the colour black."
The absence of vibrant colours symbolises the attempt to reclaim authenticity, purity and the essence of the subject matter, free from external distortion. Alexander says he attempted to "remove the stickers"
created during the colonisation of Africa. "The intent of colonisation was to colour in Africa; to remove the simplistic beauty which was there already. The individual could no longer determine his own purpose and direction."
Alexander notes that the phrase “any way the wind blows doesn't really matter” was changed with the stroke of the brush.
"The winds decided where you went or lived, what belonged to you or not. Whether you were slave or master. All depended on the colour palette of colonial artists. Cave art remained out of sight, just as the authors."