Andrew Ntshabele uses art to speak a poignant and authentic truth about the past, particularly to children and those who have experienced oppression. His work is birthed from spirit and prayer, deeply grounded in both personal and archival memory, yet bound by contemporary reflections that inspire a tender sense of hope. Ntshabele’s subject matter is not intended to cultivate division but instead speaks to the need for recognizing the past as a means of collective healing and reconciliation.
Through his unique style of assembling images from historical artifacts, such as books, magazines, letters, and stamps, Ntshabele creates collaged backgrounds for his figurative paintings. This multifaceted approach allows him to engage with both the past and the present, reflecting layers of history and his journey as a young black contemporary artist coming to terms with his place in the world, specifically within South Africa. Ntshabele’s intention in creating these artworks is to foster dialogue between different generations and historical events, acknowledging the past while promoting a sense of hope for a better future by affirming the importance of family and community.
Children of the Dream is an exhibition that promises to be both emotive and inspiring, offering viewers a profound experience that underscores the significance of hope for the future.
They want the earth and the stars
And the beautiful heavens.
They want to be free
And they want the possibilities
That freedom brings. And also
And the beautiful heavens.
They want to be free
And they want the possibilities
That freedom brings. And also
Freedom’s weight and dark side.
They want to love who they want.
They do not want to be defined.
They do not want to be limited.
They do not want to beg for
Their humanity, or the right to be
Creative, or different, or unexpected
Or wild, or surprising, or defying
Of boundaries. They do not want
Condescension, or assumptions.
They want to rebel, even against Themselves.
They want to celebrate,
Even that which didn’t celebrate them.
They want to love who they want.
They do not want to be defined.
They do not want to be limited.
They do not want to beg for
Their humanity, or the right to be
Creative, or different, or unexpected
Or wild, or surprising, or defying
Of boundaries. They do not want
Condescension, or assumptions.
They want to rebel, even against Themselves.
They want to celebrate,
Even that which didn’t celebrate them.
- Ben Okri
