Landmark exhibition reflects Unisa’s Pan-African vision

Recently, the Unisa Art Gallery proudly opened Introspect II, a solo exhibition by renowned artist Thonton Kabeya, curated from the SANAA Collection by Tshegofatso Seoka. The exhibition, which opened on 1 March 2025 and runs until 10 April 2025, has been hailed as a major success, drawing in art enthusiasts, artists and scholars alike.

Thonton Kabeya, visual artist and founder of the SANAA Collection

Celebrating ten years of Kabeya’s artistic presence in South Africa, Introspect II takes audiences on a reflective journey through the evolution of his practice. Known for his signature sculpted canvas technique, Kabeya masterfully blurs the lines between painting and sculpture, creating dynamic, textured compositions that resonate with the complexity of contemporary urban life.

Tshegofatso Seoka, Curator: Unisa Art Gallery and Collection

Beyond celebrating Kabeya’s artistic growth, Introspect II highlights the significance of art in preserving cultural memory and shaping Africa’s artistic heritage. In an era where African artefacts are frequently displaced, the exhibition calls for a conscious effort in art collection and custodianship. The works we choose to preserve today serve as invaluable cultural repositories for future generations, ensuring that Africa’s creative legacy remains on the continent.

Presented at the Unisa Art Gallery and opened by Mabafokeng Hoeane, Curator and Conservator in African cultural heritage material and a researcher at the Chief Allbert Luthuli Research Chair, Introspect II aligns with the university’s Pan-African agenda of inclusivity and continental connectivity.

Mabafokeng Hoeane, Curator and Conservator in African cultural heritage material and a researcher at the Chief Allbert Luthuli Research Chair

The exhibition underscores the necessity of fostering spaces where contemporary African art is critically engaged with, celebrated, and preserved. Kabeya’s work is a testament to contemporary African art's power in shaping cultural narratives, fostering dialogue and inspiring future generations.

The overwhelming response to Introspect II affirms its role as a highlight of the Unisa Art Gallery’s 2025 exhibition calendar, reinforcing the importance of showcasing African artistic excellence within the continent.

For those who have not yet experienced this extraordinary showcase, Introspect II remains open for viewing until 10 April  2025, at the Unisa Art Gallery.

For further information:

Email: seokate@unisa.ac.za
Phone: +27 (0)12 444 8644

* Submitted by the Unisa Art Gallery