By Bontle Moeng
A KALEIDOSCOPE of three decades of graphics covering the history of British politics will be on show at the Johannesburg Art Gallery from 1 October.
The exhibition, Upfront and Personal - three decades of political graphics, depicts a wide range of political messages from the UK, from Saatchi & Saatchi advertisements to grassroots graphics tacking issues like the miners' strikes and anti-poll tax campaigns, from Private Eye magazine covers to the puppets from the satirical television show Spitting Image.
"It celebrates how freedom of expression in British and South African politics has been exercised, both creatively and graphically," according to a media statement.
Examples of South African political graphics depicting the last 20 years will also be on show. "It will be interesting to compare the different graphics from the two countries," said governance project manager at the British Council, Andrea Naidoo.
"Up Front and Personal showcases the quality of thought and production that British designers, advertising agencies, artists and activists have brought to projects relating to British and global social and political causes," Naidoo added.
The exhibition will demonstrate very visually the way in which British artists and activists view the concept of freedom of expression. Advertising campaigns take their place alongside spray-painted billboards and the work of community projects.
"It also shows how freedom is constantly probed and pushed to the limit by artists and activists alike, creating a visual dynamic that ensures that public viewpoints and tolerances never remain stagnant - but change and evolve with the times," the media statement said.
The executive director for tourism from the Business Council of South Africa, Tanya Abrahams, will officially open Upfront and Personal, which has been brought to South Africa by the British Council as "a way of building a lasting relationship between the UK and South Africa".
An interactive programme for high school learners will be run in conjunction with the exhibition. Here guides will discuss the various pieces on exhibition and the learners will be engaged in various debates.
The British Council in partnership with the Johannesburg Art Gallery, the South African National Gallery, Iziko Museums and the Durban Gallery commissioned the exhibition, curated by design historian and writer Liz McQuiston.
The exhibition is on until 2 November at the Johannesburg Art Gallery, off King George Street, Joubert Park. The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
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