Marikana art to be displayed in London
LOCAL artist Haroon Salie’s riveting work Senzenina – capturing the ghosts of those slain in the Marikana Massacre – will be among an elite group of work displayed in London’s Regent’s Park next month.
The sculptures depict haunting images of striking Marikana mineworkers crouching vulnerably on the ground, before police shot dead 34 and wounded at least 78 in a highly-publicised massacre on August 16, 2012.
Surrounding the sculptures are sounds archived from the hour leading up to the massacre.
After police open fire, the sound of workers singing Senzenina engulfs the figures.
In Xhosa and Zulu Senzenina means: “What have we done?”
However, due to logistical issues, the sound will not accompany the work at the Frieze Sculpture 2018, London’s largest display of outdoor artwork.
Last year, the first-ever sum- mer Frieze Sculpture was a resounding success, with more than 5 million visitors enjoying exceptional sculptures by artists from around the world.
The 2018 edition is as expansive and diverse, so that the public and collectors can experience world-class artwork in the English Gardens, designed by Markham Nesfield in 1866.
Works by 25 contemporary and modern artists, and presented by world-leading galleries, will be showcased. Entrance is free.
“The work was immensely well received in New York as part of the New Museum’s fourth triennial,” Gunn-Salie said.
“I’m very grateful that this has come so quickly after that. I feel it’s almost like the ultimate goal which I had for the work, which would be to take it to a forum like this… Which I think is humbling, and an honour.”
The work is also being fittingly shown in London, the base of Marikana platinum mine operator, Lonmin.
“This is also an opportunity to take the unresolved issues to their doorstep and it’s the next step of mobilisation, I believe.
“This moment in 2012 really was a huge turning point for us. And somehow this turning point has not been concluded, it is completely unresolved, there has been no justice,” he added.
The works will be on display from July 4 until October 7.