Artists shed light on human darkness
Human trafficking is a stark reality and it's time to lift the veil of ignorance and acknowledge the fact - even in the Garden Route.
This is the clear message that the Wilderness Art Association (WAA), in collaboration with the Pink Ladies Organisation for Missing Children, brings across at their art exhibition titled Art of Freedom in the Wilderness Hotel. "The aim is to shed light on the global human trafficking crisis through artistic expression," said organiser Carole Durrant.
"The artworks are created for the greater good - to bring the scourge of human trafficking into the light. In the townships they are faced with physical abductions, while in the suburbs our kids are trafficked through social media," says Durrant.
For the exhibition, local artists were tasked with creating pieces that illuminate the horrors of human trafficking. The selected works will be showcased at the Wilderness Hotel until 30 April.
Durrant emphasised the power of art in raising awareness and empowering communities. "Through this exhibition, we aim to take a stand against the exploitation of the most vulnerable in our society. We refuse to let human trafficking thrive unnoticed in our communities."
The collection will be kept until the
Wilderness Art Festival from 17 to 20 October, with the artists' permission.
"We will then sell the works with 10% of the proceeds going to the Pink Ladies Organisation."
According to Durrant, children are psychologically groomed and desensitised - a reality that is facing every child with a smart phone.
"I am very thankful that the WAA artists were brave enough to delve into this topic and creatively bring it into the light. We need to stand up. Our children's childhood is not for sale. Not in my community, not in my town, not in my country," says Durrant.