Open day for ‘labour of love’ exhibition
Centre aspires to recreating South African social cohesion
WHEN art teacher and curator Selvan Naidoo talks about the country’s history, it’s as though he’s painting a picture, and not just relaying facts.
In combining his two loves, he has created a dramatic exhibition on the Indian indentured labourers now showing at the 1860 Heritage Centre in Derby Street, Durban.
“It’s a labour of love. It took me three years to research and design. This work covers the history of indenture from 1860 to 1911, including the history of the country, and includes stories not well known,” he said.
The centre is hosting a family day tomorrow from 9am, to showcase the centre’s exhibitions and its role in celebrating the work of South African Indians in the country’s history.
However, member Satish Dhupelia, said the committee did not want people to think the centre was only of interest to people of Indian origin.
“This centre showcases the country, and how far we have come.
“If you look at the images on the walls, we celebrate the way people of different backgrounds came together to fight apartheid.
“We want people to see this and realise how united we were back then, and this idea of social cohesion started long ago. As a society we need to learn from this and become united, as we once were,” he said.
The centre displayss artworks from local artists, exhibitions on historical figures, and artefacts unique to the South African Indian community.
“We included items such as traditional games like thunee and three tins, traditional prayer items, information on spices widely used, and even have a sewing machine. These were all used in Indian homes,” he said.
The family day will include cooking demonstrations, a thunee competition, food stalls and other entertainment.
Entry is R10.