The world is an overwhelming place. Whether you’re immersed in her beauty or trapped in her chaos, many turn their experiences into new life through artistic expression. There’s no doubt that living in South Africa today has stirred up a fair amount of dark emotions. Between the wrath of COVID-19 and the violent protests and looting that has been plaguing our country, some have picked up a paintbrush to deal with the current realities, which admittedly, are quite dull.
Art is one of my great passions. It lies right next to writing and sourdough bread, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Robyn Simpson. Drawing is a form of therapy that allows me to symbiotically detach and immerse myself with my emotions and the world around me. And I’m not the only one.
One of the many reasons I set my sights on making the Mother City my home was my attraction to the abundant art scene that oozes out of our city. One only has to walk through Long Street to get a small taste of what’s on offer. Now, COVID-19 may have slowed down our visits to galleries, but it’s only fuelled local talent to go on creating.
Local creative, Razia Myers, is one such artist that is gassed up on South Africa and is delivering incredible artistic responses, especially with regards to the current unrest which has stained the likes of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in recent weeks.
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Her latest painting titled Cry our beloved Country depicts an African woman in a forest filled with large trees. Illuminating light pierces through the darkness – a visual representation of the current state of South Africa.
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The large oil painting stands tall at 1.5 by 1.2 meters. Its presence demands attention. It’s confronting. Cry our beloved Country is an artistic response to the looting and destruction, which for the artist, takes from the hands that feed in the midst of a pandemic.
However, complexity runs deep. This work is by no means signalling a white flag. Rather, it’s a response of hope amongst a sense of hopelessness.
“In this painting I have captured glimmers of light signifying the hope I still want to believe in,” says Razia.
She questions how South Africans can feed their families when there are no supporting resources, no opportunities, and a total lack of faith and trust in our leaders.
“A country is only successful as the people governing and living in the country. In this election, you have the power to change this narrative. We need to be calling for a complete overhaul of the leaders in South Africa. It’s a top-down approach and nothing will change unless we change the people who we allow to lead us.
“In time to come it will be remembered that the action we took set the standard in our quest to rebuild South Africa. I want to believe in that Utopia for our country. This is was my intention for my piece,” she continues.
Artists are named amongst those most affected by the horrors of the pandemic. In response, Razia says the following:
“I am appealing to our artists and leaders to lend their voices to the inhumane living conditions many still find themselves in in South Africa, to highlight the lack of service delivery and ineffective governance with the worst level of corruption during a time when our nation is facing the worst health emergency.
“Artists are the backbone and soul of our nation. I know that through this pandemic you have been silenced but we have a huge responsibility [and] I implore you to let God speak through you. Our nation needs you now more than ever.”
Visit www.raziamyersart.co.za for more.
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Pictures: Supplied