Cape artist explores legacy of resistance
CAPE Town-born artist Haroon Gunn-Salie’s first solo show, entitled History after Apartheid, opens tomorrow at Joburg’s Goodman Gallery.
Gunn-Salie graduated from UCT’s Michaelis School of Fine Art in 2012.
“My passion for art started when I was a toddler. I thank my parents for being so supportive and making me believe I could do this.
“When I started my studies at UCT, I was blown away by sculpture. I found I could connect to sculptures – you share your feelings through them and they are real.”
Gunn-Salie’s art focuses on “site-specific intervention, public art and dialogue based on collaboration”.
“I started working at the Goodman Gallery two years ago and that’s where my dream came true. It is no coincidence that I planned this exhibition two years ago. Finally, the time has come.
“The exhibition casts light on the transition of modern life in South Africa, defined by the history of colonialism and apartheid.
“I grew up in a family that believed everyone can make a difference. As an artist, I can do that. I can also make people feel they can make a difference by interacting with individuals to feel their pain, then reflecting that pain through sculpture.”
The Goodman Gallery’s Joburg spokeswoman, Nonhlanhla Mahlangu, said: “This exhibition expresses that shared history after apartheid.”
The exhibition runs until September 19.