Alexander

Dimensions

110cm x 138cm

Year

2024

"The Ouens" is a body of work by Bombisa that explores lesser-known narratives from the apartheid era in South Africa, following his previous exhibition, "Bekumnandi Sisonke," which celebrated Sophiatown. Inspired by further research, Bombisa focuses on the untold stories of three distinct characters: an activist, an artist, and a troubled man, each existing in different periods of apartheid. The activist story highlights Alexandra Township's resistance to demolition and its fight for survival led by Reverend Sam Buti. The artist focuses on Todd Matshikiza, whose music in the jazz opera King Kong impacted the South African music scene. The troubled man, inspired by the character 'Panic' from the film Mapantsula, reflects the complex lives shaped by the era. Through these narratives, Bombisa reflects on the overlooked contributors to the political and cultural landscape of the time