The Goodman Gallery in Cape Town, South Africa presents “A Different Now is Close Enough to Exhale on You“, a three-part group exhibition curated by Berlin-based curator and essayist Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung of Yaoundé.
The exhibition “A Different Now is Close Enough to Exhale on You” runs through January 14, 2023 and features artists Theresah Ankomah, Karimah Ashadu, Rehema Chachage, Leo Asemota, Ange Dakouo, Eric Gyamfi, Paul Maheke, Keli Safia Maksud, Georgina Maxim, Adama Delphine Fawundu, Tanka Fonta, Danielle McKinney, Sabelo Mlangeni, Farkhondeh Shahroudi, Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum, Abraham Oghobase, Olu Oguibe, Dior Thiam, Rubem Valentim and Sunette L. Viljoen.
The reasonable system of the exhibition “A Different Now is Close Enough to Exhale on You” expands from thoughts on the melodious substance of the anthem No Make Error by Cameroonian musician and political activist Lapiro de Mbanga. At the heart of the show is an investigation of the frameworks and connections that include the historical context of power, extraction and abuse. It also presents the stories of strength, rebellion and camaraderie that exist despite dehumanizing patterns of oppression. All of this is explained through the work of 20 artists from different backgrounds and who address the most sensitive socio-political issues with insight, relevance and strength, while having serious strengths to draw upon.
The exhibition “A Different Now is Close Enough to Exhale on You” includes works that address environmental change, spatial chronicles, and narratives of victory and abuse, and analyzes the central idea of the abuse of individuals and nature.
Ndikung provides a topographical and ephemeral guide to the precariousness of human life constructed through cycles of alteration that are central to the colonial project.
Art is also studied as the space in which alchemy, gaiety and fortitude can be repeated. The consideration of works that study recognition and obstruction allows for the unloading of the place that Art keeps by pushing back the fundamental erasure.
The exhibition “A Different Now is Close Enough to Exhale on You” extends to the Umhlabathi Collective located in the former Market Photo Workshop in central Johannesburg. Named “Downtown Theory: Degrees of Comparison“, this satellite exhibition is based around a selection of photographs by members of the group, namely Jabulani Dhlamini, Sabelo Mlangeni Andrew Tshabangu, Tshepiso Mabula ka Ndongeni, Lebohang Kganye, Andile Komanisi, Tshepiso Mazibuko and Thandile Zwelibanzi.
This exhibition questions how to live in the present while being tormented by apparitions of the past. She develops the Goodman Gallery exhibitions by reflecting on topographies.