South Africa’s uncertain progress towards democracy is founded upon collaboration, a word tainted by associations with treachery, and unwholesome dealings with an enemy. But is it not, paradoxically the path to real freedom? In this exhibition the strength and beauty of ‘the other’ is evinced as threads crossing in woven artworks. Rohini Amratlal’s work uses contradictory materials such as incema grass and white cotton as the respective warp and weft of her woven compositions, creating shimmering hybridized cloth that reflects our national conflicts, reconciliations, and occasional mutual comfort. Mfezeko Gumada on the other hand revels in complex puzzle-like repeats that suggest electronic circuits, on pleather; satellite images; massed armoured columns; computer code embroidered on cardboard – in all, a pixelated reality meticulously sewn together with the metaphorically potent cross-stitching. Here, Amratlal and Gumada explore how the fabric of South Africa is made, torn, and sometimes mended.

– Written by Jenny Stretton