Artists from KZN come into conversation with fellow South Africans, together with artists from Gabon, Zimbabwe, the DR Congo, Mozambique and Namibia in Beyond Binaries, an exhibition curated by the Qala! collective. Beyond Binaries began at the ICC as part of Articulate Africa, journeyed through the Durban Art Gallery and now comes to the KZNSA, with each manifestation taking a different shape, and tone.

Beyond Binaries aims to open up discussion on the current climate of polarization and intolerance, and the increasing trend towards fixed, essentialised identities.  Several exhibits address critical questions concerning race, gender, national identity and heritage. Beyond Binaries features works by twenty-three artists, emerging and established, with video, photography, paintings, drawings, sculpture, ceramics, wire and mixed media works on show.

The exhibition is a response to a Pan-African slot in the KZNSA’s Social Art Programme, funded by the National Lotteries Commission. During the course of the exhibition there will be an extensive educational programme, including public and schools walkabouts, panel discussions and making workshops.

What does the Pan-African look like, what is its language?

The Qala! curatorial collective consists of Russel Hlongwane, Robin Moodley and Mario Pissarra.

Image: Julia Nakashwa Hango, Queen Fifi / Annunciation

Installation view photography: Liza du Plessis | osmosis liza