Iziko Museums of South Africa, in partnership with Standard Bank and MBN Studio, is proud to present Ntsumi Ya Vutomi, an evocative exhibition by acclaimed South African artist Blessing Ngobeni.

The exhibition inspires dialogue, reflection, and a deeper understanding of the black experience, fostering a collective journey toward justice, empowerment, and cultural preservation.

This compelling exhibition will be open to the public at the Iziko South African National Gallery from 16 November 2024 and run until 24 February 2025.

Ngobeni’s work has garnered acclaim for its profound social commentary, offering a layered critique of materialism and consumerism while reviving the importance of cultural heritage, tradition, and historical identity. In Ntsumi Ya Vutomi – which translates to “Messenger of Experience” – Ngobeni draws audiences into a narrative of resilience and transformation, exploring themes of black existence in a post-colonial world. Through diverse mediums, including collage, painting, sculpture, installation, and video animation, Ngobeni’s works confront the viewer with a striking exploration of identity, history, and hope.

“Ntsumi Ya Vutomi is not only an exhibition but a journey, an invitation to reflect, engage in dialogue, and feel empowered,” says Ngobeni, recipient of the prestigious 2020 Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Visual Arts. Ngobeni’s unique visual language speaks to the beauty and strength of African culture while calling viewers to confront the continued fight for justice, equality, and cultural preservation.

The exhibition creates a reflective space where visitors are invited to engage with the struggles, joys, and complexities of black communities. Embracing a spectrum of emotions from resilience and survival to love and loss, Ngobeni captures the paradoxes of modern life in societies still shadowed by the legacies of colonialism, anti-blackness, and systemic inequality. Through his artistic storytelling, Ngobeni not only sheds light on these experiences but also challenges audiences to envision a liberated future.

“Championing inclusive narratives that reflect the diversity of South Africans is at the heart of Iziko Museums’ commitment to reimagine and reshape the museum experience. Hosting this exhibition showcases how our spaces can inspire a deeper re-examination of our pasts and lived experiences. Through Ntsumi Ya Vutomi and as spaces of public engagements, the Iziko South African National Gallery will challenge members of the public to reflect on the paradoxes of modern life and appreciate the resilience of humanity and personhood,” said Dr Bongani Ndhlovu, Acting CEO of Iziko Museums of South Africa.

In Ntsumi Ya Vutomi, Ngobeni pays tribute to black communities, honouring their enduring spirit and resilience in the face of the traumas caused by slavery and colonization. His multi-layered pieces expose distorted historical narratives and depict figures that embody the void left by disrupted traditions. Through striking imagery, including representations of chains, bondage, and liberation, Ngobeni’s art honours the sacrifices of African ancestors while inspiring younger generations to reclaim their heritage and pursue justice.

Ntsumi Ya Vutomi, on show from 16 November 2024 until 24 February 2025, at the Iziko South African National Gallery, 1 Government Avenue, Cape Town, South Africa. Open daily from 09:00 until 17:00, excluding Christmas Day. Tickets available online via Webtickets www.webtickets.co.za or at the door.

About Iziko Museums of South Africa (Iziko):

Iziko operates twelve national museums, the Planetarium and Digital Dome, the Social History Centre and three collection-specific libraries in Cape Town. The museums that make up Iziko have their own history and character, presenting extensive art, social and natural history collections that reflect our diverse African heritage. Iziko is a public entity and public benefit organisation that brings together these museums under a single governance and leadership structure. The organisation allows *free access to all individuals on commemorative days, (*excluding the Castle of Good Hope, Groot Constantia and Planetarium and Digital Dome).

Visit our webpage at www.iziko.org.za, join our online community on Facebook (www.facebook.com/IzikoMuseums), Instagram (@izikomuseumssa) or follow us on X (@Iziko_Museums) for regular updates on events, news and new exhibitions.

About Blessing Ngobeni:

Blessing Ngobeni, born in Tzaneen, South Africa in 1985, is an acclaimed artist known for his sharp critique of political corruption and social inequality. His work, influenced by his own experiences of hardship and injustice, blends acrylic washes, collage, and surreal imagery to challenge the status quo. He explores themes of exploitation, betrayal of democratic ideals, and the African experience under neo-colonialism. Ngobeni’s art, deeply rooted in personal and collective history, has garnered prestigious awards including the 2020 Standard Bank Young Artist Award. Blessing Ngobeni’s works have been showcased at prestigious art fairs like Frieze, Art Basel, and 1-54 Paris, and in renowned art cities such as Chicago, Berlin, and New York. A significant achievement includes his work being featured at Christie’s in Paris during the 1-54 Paris Art Fair, further solidifying his international recognition. His distinctive style and provocative works have made him a powerful voice in contemporary African art.

@Blessing_ngobeni_studio
https://blessingngobeni.com/about-blessing-ngobeni/

About MBN Studio

MBN Studio is the creative haven for renowned artist Blessing Ngobeni, where most of his ideas are developed and artworks come to life. This studio is not only a space for artistic production but also a sanctuary of peace and harmony, allowing Blessing to channel his vision with clarity. Here, viewers are invited to engage with his art and gain insight into his creative process, experiencing firsthand the dynamic environment where his captivating pieces are conceived and crafted. MBN Studio embodies the spirit of collaboration and invites all who enter to immerse themselves in the beauty and depth of his work

@Blessing_ngobeni_studio

About Standard Bank:

Standard Bank prides itself as one of the leading financial institutions on the African continent but it also has been a champion of the arts for over 40 years, making significant contributions to the appreciation and growth of the arts. This support has meant investment in art as much as in artists, through the Standard Bank Gallery, the Standard Bank Corporate Art Collection, the Standard Bank African Art Collection jointly owned with Wits Art Museum; and the sponsorship of the National Arts Festival (NAF), the Standard Bank Ovation Awards, the Standard Bank Young Artist (SBYA) awards, and the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. These are deep-rooted platforms of creative expression that offer opportunities to connect customers and staff to their passion points. Their legacy in the arts casts the spotlight on talent, and we recognise and reward creative excellence.

About Everard Read:

Everard Read is Africa’s oldest gallery. Representing diverse artists with unique practices, we share their commitment to meaning making and craft. Everard Read has 7 distinct galleries in 4 locations. Founded in Johannesburg in 1913, it opened in the Waterfront in Cape Town in 1996. In 2009, the CIRCA building was developed in Rosebank, Johannesburg. It has been recognised as an outstanding contribution to local design. The London gallery launched in Chelsea in 2016. Cape Town’s second gallery also opened in 2016, as well as a space in Franschhoek. Everard Read at Leeu Estates opened in 2020. Its focus is on showing monumental sculpture among breath-taking fynbos and vineyards. It includes a studio and flat for an artist residency programme. The galleries embrace work interrogating both universal and Afrocentric ideas, creating a space where insights can be mined to discern meaning in existence and encourage our better selves – or at the very least contribute to a kinder world.

@everard_read_cape_town_
@everard_read_johannesburg

Issued on behalf of the Office of the CEO, Iziko Museums of South Africa

Issued by: Melody Kleinsmith
Marketing and Communications Manager
Iziko Museums of South Africa

For media images and interview requests please contact:
Zikhona Jafta via e-mail on mediaofficer@iziko.org.za

Zikhona Jafta
zjafta@iziko.org.za
021 481 3838
Iziko Museums of South Africa
http://www.iziko.org.za