Nura Garuba and friend with their monkey, Abuja in Nigeria. Photo by Pieter Hugo.

A NEW exhibition is opening at Tennispalatsi this Friday, showcasing some of the best of South Africa’s artistic talent.

The first major review of the work of key South African artists in Finland, Peekaboo-Current South Africa draws attention to recent South African history, reflecting the still-present scars of apartheid, which formally ended in 1994.

As one of the most important art centres on the African continent, South Africa has served as a springboard for numerous top names in contemporary art. The exhibition features pieces by several established names, alongside the work of a number of up and coming artists making their way into the art world’s consciousness.

With the country’s ongoing struggle with democratisation, the artists’ work reflects this theme of difficult transition, utilising brutal, poetic and humorous tones to comment further on the role of religion and the formation of the individual’s identity in the turmoil of change.

The younger generation of South African artists, however, was indirectly touched by apartheid thus their interests involve the construction of a new kind of identity, with sexuality and gender gathering more prominence alongside expressing one’s personality through street fashion.

The work of approximately 20 artists is featured at Tennispalatsi including such names as Conrad Botes, Pieter Hugo, William Kentridge, Anton Kannemeyer, Penny Siopis, Michael Subotsky and Nontsikelele Veleko utilising photography, painting, sculpture and installation.

The exhibition is also accompanied by Jane Alexan-
der’s installation at the Kamppi metro station.

JAMES O’SULLIVAN - HT
Pieter Hugo