The HUB Gallery in Cape Town is currently hosting an exhibition that celebrates the collaborative power of South African artistry. Titled Alchemy, this exhibition, which runs until 25 October 2024, showcases a remarkable blend of talent and craftsmanship that highlights the importance of co-creation in contemporary art. Curated by Spier Arts Trust (SAT), Alchemy offers a precursor to SAT’s forthcoming participation in the prestigious 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in London.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 1-54 Contemp. African Art Fair (@154artfair)

At the heart of the exhibition is the theme of collaboration. Over 20 South African artists have teamed up with skilled artisans from the HUB Mosaic Studio, Qaqambile Bead Studio, and the Keiskamma Art Project to produce works that are as much a testament to collective effort as they are to individual creativity. This collaborative approach is central to Spier Arts Trust’s ethos, and the works on display reflect the depth and richness of South African artistic heritage.

The exhibition showcases a wide range of materials and techniques, from hand-cut glass and stone to intricate beading and wool embroidery. Each piece is tactile, three-dimensional, and deeply representative of the artisanal finesse involved in its creation. The fusion of fine art and skilled craftsmanship results in visually stunning works that are also steeped in cultural and socio-political significance.

One such work is Ronald Muchatuta’s ZviShiri (The Birds), created in collaboration with HUB Mosaic Studio. The monochrome piece is evocative and poignant, inviting viewers to contemplate its layered meanings. In contrast, pastel painter Hanneke Benadé’s collaboration with Qaqambile Bead Studio introduces stark contrasts, with intricate beading elevating her painted strokes into something entirely new and dynamic.

A highlight of the exhibition is a selection of seven pieces from the Spier Collection, including Tamlin Blake’s The Threaded Floor. Blake describes her mosaic piece as “a symbol of the creation of new spaces, new projects, and bringing in new energy.” Her work, like many others in Alchemy, draws attention to the importance of history and legacy, reminding us of the power of art to connect the past with the present.

The socio-political context of many works in the exhibition adds further depth. Nkosinathi Quwe’s piece, for example, explores his isiXhosa heritage, while Meshack Tembani’s artwork pays tribute to the female leaders from his Crossroads community. These personal stories are woven into the fabric of Alchemy, making it an exhibition that not only dazzles visually but also resonates emotionally.

Through partnerships with the likes of Qaqambile Bead Studio—whose intricate beadwork can be found in Nando’s outlets around the world—and the Keiskamma Art Project, which preserves the collective memory of the rural Eastern Cape, Alchemy represents a powerful intersection of art, community, and heritage.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this transformative exhibition at HUB Gallery in Cape Town. The exhibition runs until 25 October 2024, offering an immersive exploration of the magic that can happen when artists and artisans come together in the spirit of collaboration.

Exhibition Details
Location: HUB Gallery, Union House, 25 Commercial Street, Cape Town
Dates: 5 September – 25 October 2024

Featured Artwork: Tamlin-Blake