an appreciation for Mmabatho Montsho's solo exhibition: Manyano

On living up to my life being my art, I took a half day leave from work to go view Mmabatho's solo exhibition at the Constitution Hill titled "Manyano". Mmabatho Montsho is a Johannesburg based Filmamker, Actor and all round artist of note. Her exhibition focuses on the history of the Methodist women’s organisation.

In the artist statement she mentioned that her artwork was inspired by a compelling vision of Manyano Women that came to her late one night. She also went on to explain how at first, ''the storyteller in her thought that it was a call to script and it was only after sketching the women where she found respite from the haunting of the vision''.

The work was nothing short of spectacular, her art felt like home for me, a place I have belonged to my whole life. And how blessed are we, to live in a generation where we as black people can go view art that spits our own beliefs, hopes and ways of life back at us. Her art took every black person on a spiritual walk back into our past. The women painted there, we know them very well. They raised us. They are our mothers/aunt's and grand mothers.

The piece that I was most drawn to, was the ZCC women because my mom is one... isn't it beautiful, to view art and see my own mother reflected back to me? To look at art, and feel a sense of belonging. If her art is anything to go by, it's affirmation to black people's spirituality and a reminder that we are here and we matter.

The exhibition ran until the last day of August and I honestly would like to thank Mmabatho for creating art that we resonate with. And hoping to see more artwork from her. (And on the screen)