Natural Habitat

February 12, 2023 - March 12, 2023

16 Lerotholi Avenue, Langa, Cape Town, South Africa

‘Natural Habitat’ is a group exhibition presented at 16 on Lerotholi in collaboration with Everard Read, featuring the works of 10 artists: Blessing Ngobeni, Boemo Diale, Daniel ‘Kgomo’ Morolong, Ignatius Mokone, Mongezi Gum, Nandipha Mntambo, Phillemon Hlungwani, Setlamorago Mashilo, Speelman Mahlangu and Vusi Khumalo.

‘Natural Habitat’ serves to explore the theme of life as African people, as well as the land and spaces we occupy.

Through the individual lens of each artist, the artworks in the exhibition draw inspiration from surroundings that are familiar to the artists, such as Langa Township. The exhibition also seeks to assert that Langa is as natural a habitat as any to view contemporary expressions of African life, and asks whether or not this adds value and a deeper contextual understanding for the viewer.

The creative process of each of the artworks is deeply rooted in its geography and, in some instances, locations similar to Langa Township. The ambitions of making the exhibition space in Langa a ‘natural habitat’ for the artworks suggests a broader consciousness of art, from idea to creation to consumption - a visually striking exploration of the relationship between art, the artist and the surrounding environment.

‘Natural Habitat’ invites the viewer to consider the role of immediate context in the appreciation and understanding of art.