But He Doesn’t Have Anything On Group Art Exhibition

The Hans Christian Andersen fable meets African textiles and textures at this revealing expo

Those familiar with the tales of Hans Christian Andersen will no doubt know the story of the arrogant emperor who ended up strutting the streets in his birthday suit as a result of his enormous ego. It’s upon this fable that Commune.1’s group exhibition is based; a political, social and cultural commentary titled ‘But he doesn’t have anything on’, showing until Thursday, 21 January 2016.

The popular allegory has a strong moral element, but manages to be extremely funny simultaneously, with the innocence of a child proving to be the silly emperor’s undoing. Commune.1’s exhibition takes inspiration from the fable, and the participating contemporary artists use multiple mediums to explore the meaning of textiles and textures – the central theme of the show.

The importance of textiles in African art and society is emphasised, along with thought-provoking messages regarding the use of materials to conceal or mask individuality; reveal insight into cultural, political and social identity; to subvert or challenge authority; act as camouflage; reclaim history and to inspire ideological change. In this context perhaps the art is the child who whispers, “But the Emperor has nothing at all on!”

Art lovers can expect to see works from Dominique Edwards, Rory Emmett, Susan Greenspan, Bonolo Illinois Kavula, Olivié Keck, Namsa Leuba, Troy Makaza, Siwa Mgoboza, Simphiwe Ndzube, Zohra Opoku, Thabo Pitso, David Southwood and Lauren Webber. Each artist has interpreted the theme in his/her own way, with varied, fascinating and often beautiful results.

Relive the fable in a South African context and experience the intricacy and significance of textiles in the greater African culture and art context.

ENTRY TO THE 2015 ‘BUT HE HASN’T GOT ANYTHING ON’ EXHIBITION AT COMMUNE.1 GALLERY IN CAPE TOWN

Entry to the gallery is free and its opening times are: Tuesday to Friday from 10am until 5pm and Saturday from 10am until 2pm.

---

Interested in other exhibitions and events around Cape Town? Take a look at our overview of December events in Cape Town and surrounds so you don’t miss a single shindig.

---

Want your event to gain fame and a following? Our Events Support Programme includes diverse and affordable packages guaranteed to get results. To learn more please contact support@capetownmagazine.com | now@capetownmagazine.com or phone +27(0)21 422 2444.

---

Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of happenings in Cape Town. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter and if you have a smart phone, add m.capetownmagazine.com to your home screen for quick access on the go!

Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, join our Google+ circle, connect with us on LinkedIn, check out our photos on Instagram and follow our Pinterest boards for updates on what’s happening in and around the Mother City!