One and the Many

The exhibition One and the Many weaves together narratives that explore relationships between singular entities and the collective, between the ‘self’ and ‘others’. It searches for unifying forces that underlie complex cosmologies in differing worldviews. Throughout the art centre, thematic groupings in the galleries propose new relationships amongst artists, artworks and historical art periods. 

One and the Many offers different ways for meanings to emerge through the exploration of three distinct chapters. Chapter One, spanning the Ground Floor and the South32 Galleries, uses ‘The Living School’ as a methodology to consider themes of spirituality, fractured forms and human-nature relationships. Chapter Two, situated in the First Floor Gallery, Javett Family Gallery and Dippenaar Gallery, investigates the politics of image-making, histories, and forms of embrace, while Chapter Three, located in the View Gallery, reflects on scale, memory and temporality. 

Six contemporary South African artists - Stephané E. Conradie, Goldendean, Ledelle Moe, Abdus Salaam, Inga Somdyala, Katlego Tlabela  - were invited to contribute artworks as conceptual responses to themes in the three different Chapters. Shown in conjunction with the invited artists is a selection of works from the South32 Collection, the Javett Family Collection and the Bongi Dhlomo Collection, all of which are in Javett-UP’s care. Artworks drawn from the three collections further unpack each theme in the exhibition by delving into the nuances of artists’ work and life experiences. 

One and the Many allows us to witness the diverse narratives of South Africa’s histories through the personal and collective recollections of artists. It contributes to the documentation, archiving and celebration of these recollections by offering fresh perspectives on the past, present and future. 

Most importantly, the exhibition invites you, the viewer, to connect, question and listen closely, and to be perceptive of the stories and hidden messages embedded within the artworks.

INVITED ARTISTS

Stephané E. Conradie

Goldendean

Ledelle Moe 

Abdus Salaam 

Inga Somdyala 

Katlego Tlabela 

ARTISTS from the South32 Collection, the Javett Family Collection and the Bongi Dhlomo Collection at Javett-UP

Bill Ainslie, Jane Alexander, Siemon Allen, Bridget Baker, Walter Battis, Deborah Bell, Kim Berman, Willie Bester, Gerard Bhengu, Jean Brundrit, Norman Catherine, Peter Clarke, Steven Cohen, Marlene Dumas, Dumile Feni, Gordon Gabashane, Simryn Gill, Neil Goedhals, Jackson Hlungwani, Wopko Jensma, Thamae Kaashe, William Kentridge, David Koloane, Percy Konqobe, Sydney Kumalo, Moshekwa Langa, Ezrom Legae, Aileen Lipkin, Noria Mabasa, Fikile Magadlela, Louis Khehla Maqhubela, Johannes Maswanganyi, Avhashoni Mainganye, Patrick Mautloa, Qwaa Mangana, Nelson Mukhuba, Speelman Mahlangu, Mapula Embroidery, Leonard Matsoso, Ernest Mancoba, Eric Mbatha, Azaria Mbatha, Santu Mofokeng, Nathaniel Mokgosi, Julian Motau, John Muafangejo, Ephraim Ngatane, Muziwakhe Jacob Nhlabatsi, Sam Nhlengethwa, Tony Nkotsi, Bonnie Ntshalintshali, Derrick Nxumalo, Walter Oltmann, Fred Page, George Pemba, Johannes Phokela, David Phoshoko, Adrian Piper, Meshack Raphalalani, Tracey Rose, Harold Rubin, Claudette Schreuders, Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi, Gerard Sekoto, Cyprian Mpho Shilakoe, Lucky Sibiya, Dr Phuthuma Seoka, Johannes Segogela, Mavis Shabalala, Durant Sihlali, Lucas Thandokwazi Sithole, Kathryn Smith, Paul Stopforth, Ncg’abe Taase, Alfred Thoba, William Timlin, Michael Gagashe Zondi