The launch of the UNDERLINE show, a new annual exhibition and curatorial platform in Johannesburg, South Africa, dedicated to supporting independent voices in contemporary art. Founded by curators, through a combination of private and public partnerships, UNDERLINE offers curators and artists opportunities to present an exhibition within a larger curated show.
Scott Eric Williams exhibition ‘Portals’ curated by Refilwe Nkomo. All images courtesy of UNDERLINE.
The 2019 edition pays homage to the spirit of spaces, projects, platforms, and patrons that play a vital role in supporting artists and curators who would otherwise have no access to the art world or opportunities to critically reflect on their practices and changes within the larger cultural landscape. Similarly, the 2019 UNDERLINE show seeks to highlight new artistic and curatorial practices, and discourses.
The show is comprised of twelve curated exhibitions (listed below) that examine issues of uncertainty during social and political crises, power and access in cities, public interactions with archives, visual art and language; upend traditional male-dominated practices; question conservative sexual politics and mythologies; and reimagine potential futures.
‘Yebza Kwenzeke’, curated by Fulufhelo Mobadi. Featuring artists Lebogang Tihako & Nonzuzo Gxekwa.
In addition, the show features a SITE section. Artists have been invited to create interventions within MOAD, the locale for this edition. Our CONVERSATIONS is a space to share practical experience and critical engagement on the practice of curating. In the FEATURED section, a special solo project will be presented. Full details of these special projects are to be announced in the coming weeks.
The PERFORMANCE programme this year is presented in partnership with the Bag Factory Artists’ Studios, and all the shortlisted 2019 candidates of their prestigious David Koloane Award will be hosted.
The inaugural edition opens to the public 12-15 September 2019 at the Museum of African Design (MOAD) in Maboneng, with the space being generously provided by the GSA (Graduate School of Architecture) at the University of Johannesburg.
For more information on the curators click here.
For more information on the curatorial projects click here.
