Lukhanyo Mdingi‘s eponymous label embodies the intricate blend of contemporary and historical African design, paying homage to the profound creativity originating from South Africa and the wider African continent. Following the label’s shared victory of the LVMH Karl Lagerfeld Prize and subsequent appearances at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, Mdingi’s brand has adopted a patient and intentional strategy, nurturing its unique perspective to grow organically. This approach has garnered acknowledgment from the AMIRI Prize committee, culminating in its recent triumph in 2023.
The Provenance Part II exhibition focuses on preserving archives and delving into South Africa’s deep heritage of Bantu indigeneity and Black Consciousness. Through exploring Textiles, Literature, and Music, it sparks intellectual and creative expression. The exhibition prompts an inquiry into the role of colonialism and mission-work in South Africa’s history, illustrating how these frameworks have shaped expressions, always grounded in indigeneity.
Part II embodies the collaborative spirit, co-curated by Visual Artist Banele Khoza and The MANOR. Together, they highlight how these themes shape raw materials, language, and sound into nuanced expressions of Culture, Art, and Identity.
Mdingi explains his choice of location, saying, “The rich political history of Constitution Hill resonates to the spirit and has a nuanced sensibility of the project.” He elaborates, “Within the divided themes within the exhibition, each theme centres around black consciousness within the context of South African history, Constitution Hill serves as the most ideal backdrop to represent our latest offerings.”
Mdingi emphasizes the importance of diverse audiences and demographics experiencing the exhibition to gain deeper insights into the themes of Textiles, Literature, and Music. He shares, “Exploring this project has been a personal journey for me and what I found along the way has been a revealing experience of continuous inspiration – I hope that there is a sentiment of this feeling that can be felt by those that choose to immerse themselves in it.”
Exhibition Date
Opening Night: 4th April – 19h00 PM – 22h00 PM
Exhibition Duration Date: 4th April – 17th June 2024
Location: Constitution Hill – 11 Kotze Street, Braamfontein – Women’s Jail Exhibition Wing, Johannesburg
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