#DearUs, Matric 2020

A WhatsApp driven exhibition platform. Join the exhibition's WhatsApp group.

The exhibition takes place on the exhibition WhatsApp status from 20 Oct – 22 Nov 2020.

#DearUs, Matric 2020, curated by Faye Kabali-Kagwa speaks to the lives of 6 South African teenagers living through a global pandemic at what should be the pinnacle of their schooling career. It centralises a moment shared by many, matriculation, while allowing the audience to identify and empathise with individual stories from the matric 2020 class using a platform that is familiar to many.

These stories are collaborative creations by the students and three visual and digital artists; Mmakhotso Lamola, Kamogelo Tselane, and Barry Christianson, and six matric students; Prisca, Melody, Nathan, Lwanga, Mihlali, and Zenande.

Exhibition Events & Activations

#DearUs: Build Your World Workshop

A 2D space creation and dream world workshop. Join artistic collaborator Khotso Lamola in a 60 min workshop where you will explore the 2D space of digital collage and work with depth and perspective to create a space that considers architectural elements. Only 15 spaces are available. All participants must be 14 or older and have Photoshop.

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#DearUs WhatsApp Podcast

A 5 part weekly podcast that gives insight into the lives of the current matric class of 2020 delivered exclusively over WhatsApp. Hosted by Lwanga Mukasa and compiled through voice notes sent by matric students across the country. Join the exhibition's WhatsApp group.

Mmakhotso Lamola

Lamola along with each of the matrics created 360 rooms. “I wanted to give them a space (quite literally a virtual space) that was ultimately their own- to express what they wanted - without having to feel like they had to speak on behalf of all matrics” says Lamola. The collaborative experience also meant that the matrics were able to explore what was possible in the digital space. The rooms were populated with images of the matrics taken by Barry Christianson.

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Barry Christianson

Christianson is a documentary photographer and photojournalist whose images allow for a complex understanding of his subjects that challenge our preconceptions. Christianson took portraits of the matrics each with objects that were dear to them. This was an intimate look into how each matric student saw themselves.

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Kamogelo Tselane

Tselane is a digital artist and game designer currently completing her honours degree at the University of Witwatersrand. As a student Tselane holds an interesting position as a representation of a possible future for the 6 featured matric students. Tselane turned each of the matrics into animated characters and placed them in alternate universes, music videos and video. In her own words this collaboration explored “the idea of possibility but in a more fun and abstract way”. She took the idea of living indoors during lockdown as an opportunity to explore their own inner worlds.

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Meet Prisca

Prisca

Image by Barry Christianson

Animation by Kamogelo Tselane

Prisca is driven, focused, and intentional. For the past three years she has lived her life according to a theme she has given herself. This year was “the year of excellency” which very quickly transformed into “the year of uncomfortable growth”. She described this as a flower growing in an unconventional space. One of her favourite places to escape was inside books at the Woodstock Public Library which she has not been able to visit for the past six months. Her faith is what has brought her comfort. During this time Prisca has become incredibly resourceful and independent. Lockdown has also brought her closer to her Congolese family.

3D World by Mmakotso Lamola

Meet Nathan

Nathan

Image by Barry Christianson

Animation by Kamogelo Tselane

The world comes alive to Nathan when he’s in Lalela’s art classes. He shapes, creates, and imagines new worlds. He doesn’t have any of his work at home. The COVID-19 pandemic has meant less time for his artistic endeavours. Nathan has however found comfort in nature, preferring fresh air and green leaves over the four walls of his house. After he matriculates he is looking forward to a career in software engineering.

3D World by Mmakotso Lamola

Meet Mihlali

Mihlali

Image by Barry Christianson

Animation by Kamogelo Tselane

For many matrics the past few months have been characterised by stasis, or at least stringent restrictions on where and how they move. Mihlali on the other hand was constantly moving between residences. Her phone was her lifeline - a connection to her family, friends, and a way to keep up with trends. Mihlali was looking forward to the matric ball as a chance to dress up and create long lasting memories with friends.

3D World by Mmakotso Lamola

Meet Lwanga

Lwanga

Image by Barry Christianson

Animation by Kamogelo Tselane

Lwanga is one of those people who is involved in all aspects of school life - first team rugby, basketball players, and is on a number of committees. The loss of the sporting season was something that he felt quite acutely. The light of his phone screen has been a constant feature this year. If he's not listening to music or reading up on social justice issues, he is streaming music. Lwanga missed the nights he'd spend with his friends on rooftops stargazing.

3D World by Mmakotso Lamola

Meet Zenande

Zenande

Image by Barry Christianson

Animation by Kamogelo Tselane

Zenande is confident, vibrant, and funny. She misses the art classes she had at Lalela which allowed her to express herself in a variety of different forms and mediums. One thing that this year has made abundantly clear to Zenande is that she needs money, and she needs to hustle in order to get what she wants. The national lockdown brought a change in focus for Zenande where school was secondary. Melody is one of her best friends. Together they have supported each other, and would not have wanted to complete the year with anyone else by their side.

3D World by Mmakotso Lamola

Meet Melody

Melody

Image by Barry Christianson

Animation by Kamogelo Tselane

The initial lockdown period brought an introspection and calm that Melody didn’t know she needed. She along with her mother spent the initial period away from home with only the two of them for company. Melody found peace with no distractions from friends or family. She was able to control her own time, and focus on her studies. Moving back to her neighbourhood Melody lost some motivation, but she is determined to be an example for those coming after her.

3D World by Mmakotso Lamola