ABOUT THE SHOW
Bag Factory Artists’ Studios is delighted to present the opening of our group exhibition entitled What is this place? Notions on site.
Exhibition dates : 24 February - 18 April 2024
What is this place? Notions on site is a group exhibition exploring the intricate relationship between space and place, comprising painting, drawing, prints, furniture design, textile art, and sculpture. As an investigation into practices of place-making through site-specific work, the exhibition aims to underscore the intrinsic connection between the creative energy artists carry and the unique identity Bag Factory has as a place.
The exhibition features commissioned pieces created under the Bag Factory's 2023/24 Artwork Commissions programme, as well as works donated by resident artists since the institution's inception in 1991. The commissioned artworks were initiated through an open call that emphasized themes of Bag Factory's surrounding environment: Fordsburg's multicultural social fabric, resilience, optimism, and play. The Bag Factory's various residency programmes also attract artists through open calls, which each consider different artist development priorities essential to the institution’s mandate of fostering a culture of experimentation and collaboration. The visiting artists’ programme has connected over 200 international artists, researchers, and curators over the last three decades.
The commissioned and donated works reflect the nuanced relationship between space and place – particularly how human intervention transforms spaces into places. Space is location, physical space, and geography; while place is what gives a space meaning, “personality” and a connection to a cultural or personal identity. Space is defined by an abstract scientific, mathematical, or measurable conception while place refers to the elaborated cultural meanings people invest in or attach to a specific site or locale. The open calls are, therefore, exercises in place-making: presenting to partner institutions, artists, and the public what the place’s priorities are and drawing in folks who align with these. What is this place? Notions on site questions how this adherence to institutions’ own idea of themselves impact the creative spirit and the work made at their spaces and for their places
What is this place? challenges traditional notions on site-specificity, acknowledging that site-specific work today is more adaptable, often inspired by an ideology, mandate, or growing community rather than a fixed location or moment in time.
By exploring the interconnectedness of space, place, and creative energy, What is this place? invites viewers to contemplate the evolving concept of site-specificity, the invisibility of institutional power, and the transformative force of artistic expression, within the unique cultural landscape of Johannesburg.
Artists featured include: (all commissioned artists are displayed in bold)
Olivia Botha Sodam Lee Kultwani Monyai
Primrose Charmaz Dimpho Lehoko Danny Mybourgh
N'lamwai Luntha Chitambo Sello Letswalo Charles Nkosi
Kay-Leigh Fisher Keabetse Maake Thenjiwe Niki Nkosi
Ann Gollifer Lebogang Mogul Mabusela Levy Pooe
Mako Ishizuko Vanessa Majoro Senzo Shabangu
Hemali Khoosal Princia Matungulu Usha Seejarim
Rejoice Kunene Kagiso Patrick Mautloa Philemon Lellape
Maleleki Frank Ledimo Pauline Mazibuko Ilze Wessels
Gary Frier Keneilwe Mokoena
This exhibition has been made possible through the support of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture.
