By Mathews Nthinya
In the heart of social change, the documentary “Exhibit Black: Abavukeli”, produced by Siviwe Mxuma, Carmen Visser, Nqobile Makamu and Tlamelo Malebo, takes audiences on a profound exploration of the life and artistry of Sange Mpambani, an interdisciplinary artist whose carefully curated interventions serve as a catalyst for conversations surrounding coloniality, racism, sexism, and homophobia. Through a lens that captures the highs and lows of street performances, the film provides a compelling narrative of Sange’s unique approach to sparking reflection and dialogue in the most unexpected places.
Sange Mpambani stands as a singular force in the realm of social change, wielding art as a transformative tool. His interventions are not confined to traditional galleries or theatres; instead, he boldly ventures into spaces pulsating with intense emotion, such as taxi ranks and cathedrals. Through these performances, Sange immerses his audience in an experience transcending the conventional boundaries of artistic expression.
What sets Sange apart is his decision to remain silent during his interventions. Unlike traditional performers who engage in direct dialogue with their audience, Sange allows his art to speak for itself. By adopting this unique approach, he invites viewers to embark on an introspective journey, encouraging them to reflect on the powerful messages embedded in his carefully crafted performances.
The desire to confront societal issues head-on is at the core of Sange’s artistic mission. “Abavukeli” skillfully captures Sange’s commitment to dismantling systems of oppression, using his art to challenge colonial legacies, expose the roots of racism, unveil the layers of sexism, and spotlight the shadows of homophobia. Through each intervention, he sparks conversations that resonate long after the applause has faded.
The documentary delves into a performance artist’s tumultuous journey navigating street performances’ unpredictable landscapes. From the euphoria of connecting with a diverse audience to the challenges of facing resistance and scepticism, “Abavukeli” captures the essence of Sange’s resilience and determination to be a catalyst for change.
“Exhibit Black: Abavukeli” provides a window into Sange Mpambani’s life and challenges viewers to question their perspectives on societal norms and inequalities. Sange’s art becomes a mirror, reflecting the complexity of the human experience and the urgent need for transformative conversations. As the documentary unfolds, it becomes clear that Sange Mpambani’s silent interventions are far from silent in their impact, echoing far beyond the streets and into the collective consciousness of those who bear witness to his powerful performances.
Silent Conversations – Unveiling the transformative power of Sange Mpambani’s street art in Exhibit Black: Abavukeli
Exhibit Black: Abavukeli” stands out as a captivating and thought-provoking documentary that skillfully unveils the transformative journey of Sange Mpambani, an extraordinary interdisciplinary artist. The filmmakers, Siviwe Mxuma, Carmen Visser, Nqobile Makamu, and Tlamelo Malebo, have masterfully woven together a narrative that transcends the conventional boundaries of artistic expression, providing audiences with a unique and immersive experience.
Sange Mpambani’s decision to venture into unconventional spaces like taxi ranks and cathedrals adds a layer of authenticity to his interventions. The documentary effectively captures the highs and lows of his street performances, offering a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a performance artist navigating the unpredictable landscapes of social change. The filmmakers adeptly showcase the resilience and determination required to be a catalyst for conversations surrounding coloniality, racism, sexism, and homophobia.
One of the documentary’s notable strengths is its exploration of Sange’s decision to remain silent during his interventions. This unique approach sets him apart from traditional performers and invites the audience to engage in a quiet conversation with the art itself. The decision to let the art speak for itself adds a layer of introspection, encouraging viewers to reflect on the profound messages embedded in Sange’s carefully crafted performances.
The thematic focus on coloniality, racism, sexism, and homophobia underscores Sange Mpambani’s commitment to dismantling systems of oppression. “Abavukeli” successfully captures the artist’s mission to challenge societal norms and inequalities, using his art as a powerful tool for social change. Each intervention becomes a canvas of controversy, sparking conversations that linger long after the applause fades.
The documentary goes beyond being a mere profile of an artist; it challenges viewers to question their own perspectives and confront the complexities of the human experience. Sange’s art becomes a mirror reflecting the urgent need for transformative conversations in society. The impact of his silent interventions resonates far beyond the streets, leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of those who witness his performances.
You can watch the documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt7wBiWwxXU.
