Ilizwi Liyamisa: The Power of the Voice

August 15, 2024 - September 16, 2024

16 Lerotholi Ave , Langa , Cape Town

In the intricate web of human existence, language emerges as one of the most potent forces we wield. The Xhosa proverb "Ilizwi Liyamisa," meaning "A voice can erect (establish)," serves as the foundation for this exhibition, urging us to contemplate the profound impact our voices have on the world around us. This exhibition, "Ilizwi Liyamisa: The Power of the Voice," explores the ways in which the act of speaking, the expression of thoughts, and the articulation of ideas can build, establish, and ultimately shape our collective reality.

At its core, this exhibition delves into the fundamental role that language—whether spoken, written, or visually represented—plays in constructing the fabric of our lives. The artists featured in this collection employ a diverse array of mediums, each using their unique artistic voice to explore the deep connections that language can forge, the change it can inspire, and the new realities it can construct. Through their works, we are invited to witness the tangible effects of intangible thoughts, to see how the vibrations of our voices can influence the physical world, and to recognize the enduring legacy that our words can leave.

The concept of voice extends beyond mere verbal communication; it encompasses the entire spectrum of human expression. What we think, feel, and ultimately express influences not only our immediate surroundings but also the broader environment in which we exist. The voice, as a physical manifestation of our inner world, becomes a powerful tool for interaction, capable of affecting everyone and everything it encounters. This idea is deeply embedded in many cultural traditions, where the integrity of speech, thought, and action is paramount. These cultures understand that the frequency of our communication, our thoughts, and our behaviors reverberates through the world, shaping it in subtle yet profound ways.

Artistic expression, as showcased in this exhibition, is a form of language—a dialect developed by each artist to engage in a dialogue with both the physical and spiritual worlds. Through their work, artists communicate not only with the present but also with the past and the future. Art becomes an ancient language, a method of encoding messages that traverse the expanse of time and culture. These messages, whether they are warnings, celebrations, or contemplations, serve as reminders of where we come from, as well as guides for where we are heading. In this way, art is more than a visual or auditory experience; it is a means of recording and representing ourselves, a way of leaving indelible marks on the continuum of human history.

"Ilizwi Liyamisa: The Power of the Voice" challenges us to consider the true potency of our words and expressions. It prompts us to reflect on the ways in which our voices, our thoughts, and our actions contribute to the ongoing construction of reality. As we engage with the artworks in this exhibition, we are reminded that every word spoken, every thought conceived, and every action taken carries with it the potential to establish new truths, to build bridges between disparate worlds, and to influence the future in ways both seen and unseen.

This exhibition is not just a celebration of artistic expression but a call to action—an invitation to speak with intention, to think with clarity, and to act with integrity. Through this lens, we come to understand that our voices are not merely tools of communication; they are the very building blocks of the world we wish to create. "Ilizwi Liyamisa" serves as a powerful reminder that our voices have the ability to erect, to establish, and to shape the world around us, leaving a legacy that echoes across time.