• a symposium of scholarly research
  • an art festival celebrating his legacy

Register your place: ErnestMancobaConference@gmail.com
or scroll down to read more…

In recent years, Ernest Mancoba (1904-2002, South Africa/France) has been rediscovered by the international art cognoscenti but remains less known in the country of his birth.

The Dialogue aims to (re)introduce Mancoba to South Africa.  It takes the form of a symposium where scholarly research that focuses on the context and aspects that informed and inspired Mancoba’s work is presented.   It also takes the form of an art “festival” where contemporary artists are invited to exhibit works that respond to Mancoba’s art.  The aim is conversations and discussion.  It is thus a Dialogue, one open to the public, the art cognoscenti as well as those who wish to learn more and engage with modern South African art. 

International and South African scholars/researchers include:

  • Dr Chika Okeke-Agulu, Professor at Princeton University (USA) 
  • Dr Karen Kurcynzki, Assistant Professor at University of Massachusetts Amherst (USA)
  • Ms Dorthe Aagesen, Senior Curator of Art at the Danish National Art Gallery
  • Dr Luvuyo Wotshela, Professor and Head of National Heritage and Cultural Studies Centre at the University of Fort Hare
  • Dr Nomusa Makhubu, Artist and senior lecturer, University of Cape Town Michaelis School of Art
  • Dr Same Mdluli, Curator and manager of Standard Bank Art Gallery
  • Other speakers include: Wilhelm Van Rensburg (Strauss & Co), Thembinkosi Goniwe (Rhodes University), Jaco van Schalkwyk (University of Stellenbosch) and Sean O’Toole (critic, writer and curator)

Can musicians who, like Mancoba, have been influenced by multiple genres and histories, help us consider Mancoba? Participating musicians include:

  • Kyle Shepherd, jazz pianist and winner of Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year (music) 2014
  • Derek Gripper. musician and composer

Dialogue fee:
• South African Rand 500 (covers cost of tea/coffee and lunch on Tue 11th Feb and copies of abstracts)
• Fee subsidies for qualified students are available – please enquire

Register your place: ErnestMancobaConference@gmail.com

Your organizers and hosts:
• Winnie Sze, freelance curator/researcher (Convenor)
• Nomusa Makhubu, artist, curator, and senior lecturer at the Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town
• A4 Foundation, Cape Town
• We would like to thank Strauss & Co for financial support
• We would like to thank the Ferlov Mancoba Family Foundation for support