The Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, FADA Gallery is proud to present, ‘Abantu: Threads That Bind Us’, an exhibition by Khanya Mthethwa that celebrates South Africa’s diverse indigenous cultures through an exploration of identity and tribute to the resilience of African memory. This solo exhibition will be opening on the 6th of March at the UJ FADA Gallery, Bunting Road Campus at 18:00 for 18:30, and will run until the 28th of March. Walkabouts with the artist will take place on the 8th and 10th of March at 11:00.
Inspired by South African culture past and present, this exhibition bridges the distance between the two through artistic interpretations of archival materials and contemporary design. This artistic depiction invites one to connect with histories that remain alive in spirit yet often overlooked.
The exhibition will unfold across two levels. The lower ground level will contain ‘The Archive’ which honours the richness of ancestral knowledge and craftsmanship. It will feature beaded artifacts loaned from the Wits Arts Museum and embroidered portraits of kings and cultural leaders. “This space will offer a reverent encounter with the legacies that have shaped South Africa’s indigenous identity,” says Mthethwa.
The ground floor named, ‘The Present’, reimagines the archival encounters as vibrant contemporary works. From art jewellery and vases, to re-staged photographic portraits of traditional attire, each piece speaks to the transformative power of remembering and reinterpreting.
“Through this exhibition, I seek to provide a space where those disconnected from their lineage can rediscover and celebrate it. ‘Abantu: Threads That Bind Us’ invites you to consider how heritage shapes who we are and to celebrate the enduring threads of belonging that connects us all,” says Mthethwa.
Join us for an exhibition that will remind you of what unites us all, our beautiful South African history.
About FADA Gallery
FADA Gallery is an inhouse, experimental, vibrant, and transformative creative lab space devoted to stimulating innovative thinking through a host of art and design-based experinces. Constructing knowledge through cutting edge art and design practices, in a diverse range of curated exhibitions, events, talks, and new media compliments the FADA teaching and learning experience, including the research and development program. Bringing advancements in local art, design and architecture developments to the students, staff, alumni, and the local art community.
About Khanya Mthethwa
Khanya Mthethwa is a multi-award-winning jewellery designer born in Kwa-Zulu-Natal, currently working as an academic at the University of Johannesburg. Her notable academic achievements include a Master of Arts in design, as well as certificates in Rough Diamond Evaluation and Diamond Cutting. She is also a PhD candidate in Art History at the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Visual Art. Beyond her academic and lecturing roles, Khanya is the founder and CEO of Changing Facets, a multidisciplinary company that merges contemporary jewellery, indigenous artistry, and design innovation. Her work has been exhibited internationally in Croatia, Italy, Athens, Munich, Greece and Estonia.