Celebrating Langa through its artists
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- 02 May 2023
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Founders of the township’s first art gallery have big plans for its future. By Groundup
On the pavement between small businesses in the busy street of Lerotholi Avenue in Langa is a large statue of a woman, made out of grass, stone, mud and clay. Inside, is Langa’s first art gallery, 16 on Lerotholi.
The statue is by artist Angus Taylor.
The gallery, founded by four young people from Langa, officially opened its doors in 2019.
“Langa is known for the arts, so there was a need for Langa to have its own gallery where we can express our thoughts and feelings, and celebrate our heroes,” said artist Thulani Fesi, one of the founders. “In every genre of arts, Langa has had someone. Whether it’s theatre, television, radio, music, journalism, there’s been someone to shine.”
The four own the gallery and reinvest part of the money for each artwork sold into the project. The rest goes to the artist.
Mpilo Ngcukana, also one of the founders, said artists such as painter and sculptor Mongezi Gum had asked to be exhibited in the gallery. “He’s a Langa resident who resonated with the project,” he said.
“Some artists contact us on social media, and others come to the gallery to show us their work,” said Ngcukana.“ We’ve also got a partnership with Everard Read Cape Town. They allow us access to their artists’ work.”
The blue-painted room is filled with paintings and photographs and small sculptures. The current exhibition, Abantu Bethu (our people) features artists from different parts of SA and other African countries, exploring daily life at different points in time, through a variety of lenses. Read More…
