Now in its fifth iteration, the Zeitz MOCAA Atelier residency programme has welcomed Unathi Mkonto as its latest resident artist. Hailing from the Eastern Cape and currently based in Cape Town, Mkonto’s residency, titled ‘TO LET’, commenced on Thursday, 22 June 2023.
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Mkonto’s artistic practice encompasses the realms of art, design and architecture, and within the Atelier space, he endeavours to unveil both the artistic and thematic processes that are often concealed.
By exploring the dynamics of human interaction at the ‘edge of the city,’ a zone characterised as a mix of commercial and residential land, Mkonto has created a space that invites himself and the audience to engage, investigate and reflect.
‘TO LET’ beckons viewers to embark on an enthralling journey through the museum, where Mkonto employs photography, drawings, maquettes, sculptures and installations to construct a physical and conceptual realm that challenges our perception of architecture’s impact on human interaction.
This residency embodies the spirit of exploration, offering a distinctive opportunity for the public to witness and comprehend the artist’s creative process.
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The Atelier was initially launched as an experimental platform and residency that empowers Cape Town-based artists to generate new works, conduct research and nurture ideas for future projects. It is an expansive space located on the museum’s second floor, encompassing multiple galleries. It also remains accessible to the public, granting visitors to Zeitz MOCAA an exclusive glimpse into the artist’s modes of production and creative processes.
Aligned with the Atelier programme’s vision as a space of discovery, Mkonto intends to fashion ‘movable platforms’ that contribute to his residency as a collaborative voyage, encouraging artists and visitors alike to contemplate and reimagine the performative nature and interplay of the built environment, where the bustling commercial district converges with the residential fabric of the city.
‘My intention with “TO LET” is to specifically question the ways in which architecture encourages a particular performance from the people living, working and playing around it,’ explained Mkonto. ‘I look forward to connecting with and observing visitors as they interact with the space.’
Past residents of Zeitz MOCAA Atelier include Thania Petersen, Kemang Wa Lehulere, Haroon Gunn-Salie and, most recently, Igshaan Adams.
Mkonto’s residency, titled ‘TO LET’, will run from Thursday, 22 June 2023, until Sunday, 25 February 2024.
Details
- Location: Silo District, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
- Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm
- Entry fees: R230 | African citizens can enjoy free entry on Wednesdays, between 10am and 1pm, on presentation of a valid ID or passport.
- Contact: 087 350 4777 | [email protected]
- Website: zeitzmocaa.museum
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Picture: Supplied / Photograph by Johno Mellish