Published February 29, 2024
Pretoria's cultural landscape is about to undergo a transformation as the Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP) collaborates with partners to introduce an electrifying exhibition titled WE, THE PURPLE. This initiative, slated to coincide with South Africa's thirty years of freedom celebrations, represents an unprecedented alliance among the city's cultural powerhouses.
Conceived by the Javett-UP, WE, THE PURPLE draws inspiration from Pretoria's moniker, the "Jacaranda City," an ode to its iconic Jacaranda trees lining the streets. But its significance transcends the trees, delving deep into the city's historical and contemporary narratives, including pivotal moments like #FeesMustFall and the 1956 Women’s March. Notably, the exhibition's title pays homage to the poignant "purple rain protest" of September 1989, echoing the fervor of anti-apartheid resistance.
From March 2024, WE, THE PURPLE is scheduled to unfold across multiple venues within Tshwane. The exhibitions serve as a dynamic platform exploring topics from protest and identity, to land rights and spirituality. WE, THE PURPLE will be explored through themes such as "On Pretoria/To Pretoria," "Tshwane Ra Tswana," "Landing," and "The 13th Official Language." Each facet of the exhibition promises to spark dialogue and introspection, shedding light on the intersections of art, politics, and collective memory. The exhibition navigates South Africa's young democracy and invites audiences to engage with diverse perspectives and narratives.
Presented by The Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP), this unprecedented exhibition promises to be a milestone in Tshwane's cultural landscape, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a kaleidoscope of ideas and perspectives. Further updates regarding the involvement of esteemed Tshwane Museums and Galleries will follow.
Javett-UP, CEO Lekgetho Makola comments: “As an emerging young cultural institution, Javett-UP is embarking on a campaign to promote the value in collaboration while securing interconnectedness among arts and cultural heritage institutions in Tshwane together with practitioners. Our aim is to emphasise the significance of Tshwane as not only the political capital of South Africa and its second largest diplomatic community in the world, but as an important culturally layered geography that has produced impactful cultural products for our country and the world. These small steps will grow to form a strengthened collective cultural position that would reposition the Tshwane brand in the near future. We appreciate the progressive reception we have received from our collaborators in this year's programmes.”