SNS24 Catalogue Digital Spreads - Book - Page 92
SOLO EXHIBITION
SOLO
SOLO
EXHIBITION
EXHIBITION
90
In her solo exhibition, Nosiviwe Matikinca explores the
challenges faced by learners in public schools from
underprivileged backgrounds. A direct translation for the title
“UKUNGALINGANI KWEZEMFUNDO” is educational inequality,
which refers to the gap in resources available to learners
from disadvantaged areas versus more privileged areas.
Challenges which these learners have to face, include the
lack of classrooms, books and stationery, as well as having to
travel long distances to school without proper school shoes.
While some learners are fortunate to have working parents
who can buy them school shoes, many cannot afford a pair,
and thus the practice of wearing shoes handed down to them
by family or community members is common.
The use of clay is crucial to understanding Matikinica’s
work. Clay as a material speaks of an organic nature. It can
be molded and shaped into any form, and during the firing
process, it changes consistency. The continuous reuse of the
casting mold eventually erases any sign of individuality. The
final product is a fragile object unable to fulfill its intended
purpose. The nature of the clay speaks to not only the
education system which is supposed to mold and shape the
young child’s mind and future, but also the precariousness of
the public schooling system in South Africa.
SASOL NEW SIGNATURES • 2024 CATALOGUE
