One of the most inspiring art exhibitions was officially opened at the Carinus Annexe on Wednesday 26 June, the eve of Festival.
One of the most inspiring art exhibitions was officially opened at the Carinus Annexe on Wednesday 26 June, the eve of Festival.
Ingapakathi – My Inner World features paintings and drawings made by 18 children from the Raphael Centre in Grahamstown.
Featuring artworks about their hopes and dreams, the exhibition is honest, interesting and inspired. Over two months, art teacher Madelize van der Merwe guided the children on a journey of self-expression.
Assisted by psychologists and volunteers, the Johan Carinus Art Centre teacher encouraged the children to explore their inner worlds using art.
The children, aged 7 to 10 years old, made artworks of many different things during the workshops: self-portraits, fauna and flora, where they live and their families – but Ingapathi is about their dreams.
Underneath each artwork is a picture of its creator and his or her specific wish.
"I wish to have many friends who love me," is the sincere wish one young girl expresses in a colourful drawing. "I want to be a policewoman," another one reads.
In a range of beautiful styles – from classic children's line drawings to complex, expressive brush strokes – these children paint a clear trajectory of where they want to be.
At the opening on Wednesday, the young children could not contain their excitement.
They were the stars of this show, and they raced up the stairs of the Annexe to be welcomed by members of the public and Raphael and Carinus staff.
As the jazzy sounds of popular EC hip hop group Wordsuntame filled the Annexe, the kids led their admirers around the exhibition.
There, they proudly pointed out their unique pieces, discussing them candidly with their friends and family.
The workshop itself forms part of a broader life skills programme offered by the Raphael Centre for children affected by HIV and Aids.
This year marks the start of an annual initiative – next year, children will learn to make and play musical instruments.
Postcards of all the artworks on display are on sale for R5 each. All proceeds go to the Raphael Centre. Ingapakathi is on display in the Carinus Annexe on Donkin Street every day from 27 June until 7 July.
