Ndijongile

Athenkosi Kwinana
Curated by Candice Berman
7 September - 20 October 2024

Athenkosi Kwinana’s solo exhibition, Ndijongile, translates from Xhosa to ‘I have looked’. It creates a platform for representations of people with albinism (PWA) in South African visual culture over the past two decades (2004–2024).

In addition to showcasing her own work, she has incorporated a group exhibition that features the artistic voices of other artists who share her interest in depicting albinism. This collaborative effort challenges the historical lack of representation of PWA and seeks to broaden the scope of how the albinotic body is portrayed in art and society.

Ndijongile

Albinism Awareness Month Group Exhibition
Curated by Candice Berman
7 September - 20 October 2024

The exhibition includes the work of photographers Andile Bhala, Simphiwe Vilakazi, and Nkanyezi Gumede, along with fashion-focused artist Kamogelo Machaba. Each of these artists has contributed pieces that normalise the presentation of the albinotic body, while also expanding its representation in a naturalistic and realistic way. Their work provides a nuanced reflection of the albinotic experience, encouraging audiences to consider the ways in which beauty and identity are constructed in South African visual culture. Additionally, the inclusion of renowned artist Pieter Hugo, who has long engaged with the representation of PWA, brings a further layer of depth to the discussion of the albinotic body in art.

Side Quest

Solo exhibition by Odette Graskie
Curated by Shenaz Mahomed
26 October 2024 - 26 January 2025

Side Quest is a body of work by Odette Graskie that showcases a visual narrative of her natural gravitation towards human connection, play, poetry and curiosity. Layered with an obsessiveness in exploring mediums through portraiture - in this reflective method of making, Graskie shifts towards her own curiosity about her practice (currently and as far as her childhood) as the driving force. This in itself serves as a “side quest” for Graskie in exploring a more nuanced view of human interaction and her role in this.

Berman Contemporary at Art Cologne

7-11 November 2024
Booth A300 at Koelnmesse GmbH, Messeplatz 1, Cologne, Germany 50679

Berman Contemporary is excited to announce that we will be exhibiting at Art Cologne 2024 with DuduBloom More and Lee-At Meyerov. Working around ideas of memory, the un/spoken the two artists will showcase their duo in a subtle exploration of voice and memory.

Panel Discussion on Albinism: Insights from the Ndijongile Art Exhibition

A sincere thank you to each of our Ndijongile Albinism Awareness Panel Discussion speakers, Abongile Xhantini, Ingrid Bame, Kamogelo Machaba, Nolan Stevens and Mpho Tjope. On the 28th of September Athenkosi Kwinana facilitated a panel discussion focused on policy, inclusion, media, arts, and campaigns related to albinism.

On Saturday, September 28, Athenkosi Kwinana facilitated this event as a key feature of the Ndijongile art exhibition, currently showcased at Berman Contemporary.

The panel brought together campaign founders, advocates, activists, and disability arts consultants to explore critical topics such as the representation of persons with albinism (PWA) and persons with disabilities (PWD), the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), as well as the current experiences of PWA. We also examined the successes and challenges faced by campaign founders in South Africa.

Our esteemed speakers included:
- Nolan Stevens (Disability Arts Consultant and Art Writer)
- Ingrid Bame (Activist and Founder of the #IAMMOVEMENT Campaign)
- Mpho Tjope (Activist and Founder of Albinism Advocacy for Access)
- Abongile Xhantini (DEIB Consultant and Founder of The Middle Way Advisors)
- Kamogelo Machaba (Artist and Color Fashion Enthusiast)

The discussion was both enlightening and thought-provoking, shedding light on the ongoing efforts to enhance visibility and inclusion for individuals with albinism. We look forward to continuing these conversations and collaborating on initiatives that promote awareness and advocacy.

Ndijongile Albinism Awareness Group Show is now on show at 223 Jan Smuts Creative Hub until the 20th of October.

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