“Amagoduka” and the “Museum of New Hymns for the Confused” joined forces to captivate the city of Tshwane, bringing a double dose of artistic brilliance to the South African capital. These two celebrated exhibitions, featuring the works of Abongile Sidzumo and Phoka Nyokong, both past winners of the prestigious Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award, promise to mesmerize and inspire art enthusiasts in Tshwane from Saturday, 28th October, and continued through until Saturday, 18^th November 2023.

The anticipated joint exhibition, featuring the captivating works of “Amagoduka” by Abongile Sidzumo and “Museum of New Hymns for the Confused” by Phoka Nyokong, graced the prestigious halls of the Association of Arts Pretoria. The collaboration of these two exceptional artists in one exhibition has undoubtedly created a unique and thought-provoking experience, inviting visitors to explore the rich narratives and creative expressions that define their respective journeys. Art enthusiasts and cultural experts were encouraged to mark their calendars for this event, where the power of art to inspire, captivate, and provoke thought was on full display. The Embassy of France in South Africa and the French Institute of South Africa, in partnership with Absa and SANAVA, introduced the award in 2004 to honor Sekoto’s legacy, which changed the narrative of how the work and lives of black South African artists are perceived, valued, and documented.

Abongile’s “Amagoduka” body of work, which explores themes of migration, land, and class through the repurposing of discarded leather offcuts, has garnered significant attention for its unique perspective and its emphasis on the often-overlooked suffering and violence experienced by black communities. His art captures the essence of specific spaces and their impact on people’s life journeys, highlighting the importance of place and the healing power of spending time with loved ones. “This collaborative showcase with Phoka is a testament to the great potential of art to bridge gaps and pave the way for people like myself and Phoka. It’s an opportunity for us to combine our creative expressions and offer a visual dialogue that sparks conversations and insights. Our art is a conversation with the world, and this exhibition promises to be a dynamic exchange of ideas and emotions.” says 2021 Gerard Sekoto Award winner Abongile Sidzumo.

Phoka Nyokong’s “Museum of New Hymns for the Confused” presents a thought-provoking collection that challenges viewers to contemplate the politics and poetics of therapeutic culture. His art reshapes local West African tales through a detailed historical lens, inviting the audience to explore the intersection of Western anthropology, ethnology, museology, religion, psychology, and African cultural heritage. “This exhibition with Abongile is worth the experience. Together, we aim to challenge preconceptions, inspire, and offer a visual journey that invites viewers to engage with art on a profound level. I extend my deepest appreciation to Absa L’Atelier for their unwavering support and belief in the power of art. This journey as the 2019 Gerard Sekoto Award winner has been a remarkable one, and Absa’s support has been instrumental in my artistic growth,” says Phoka.

Dr Paul Bayliss, Senior Art Specialist and Curator at Absa Group, shared his perspective on the exhibition, stating, “These two artists exemplify the transformative potential of art. Their unique and enticing works effortlessly blend, forming a visual narrative that profoundly touches the human soul. I draw inspiration from their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity while offering viewers an opportunity to embark on a world-class artistic journey, one that challenges preconceived notions and fosters deeper insight. This exhibition gracefully embodies the essence of the Gerard Sekoto Award, a celebration of emerging talent and the limitless horizons that art can unlock.”