Professor Zakes Mda, the acclaimed South African novelist, playwright, poet, and visual artist, will present his solo exhibition "Blessed By The Bees" at the Springs Art Gallery on June 20. Curated by Chepape Makgato and Thabo Sekoalia, with guest speaker Sam Nhlengethwa, the show features Mda's mixed-media works that blend acrylic, oil, fabric, newsprint, and found objects, drawing from Basotho mural traditions, South African township art, and European expressionist styles. The exhibition runs until July 31.
This exhibition matters because it highlights the often-overlooked visual art practice of a major literary figure, revealing how Mda's painting and writing symbiotically inform each other. The title "Blessed By The Bees" connects to Mda's lifelong beekeeping in the Eastern Cape, underscoring the integration of his artistic, intellectual, and community work. The show also provides a platform for local curators and reinforces the cultural significance of community galleries like Springs Art Gallery in showcasing multidisciplinary South African artists.