Feathered Cap, 1997

Acrylic resin, steel armature, feathers. Dimensions 9'x 9'. From an exhibition titled "Reject" at the KZNSA Gallery, Durban, South Africa.

Inspired by Paulo Freire's seminal work, "Pedagogy of the Oppressed," this exhibition presents a series of objects that interrogate the complex dynamics of authority, power, and social transformation. These objects, strategically enlarged and placed within the gallery space, are potent symbols that challenge conventional understandings of authority. However, the exhibition also raises critical questions about the role of the artist and the viewer in the struggle for social justice.

While fetishized through their altered scale, the objects invite the viewer to consider the paradoxical nature of authority and liberation. Freire's observation that members of the oppressor class often join the liberation struggle yet bring with them the "marks of their origin" finds a visual and conceptual parallel in these objects. They stand as cautionary symbols, reminding us that even well-intentioned efforts to challenge or dismantle systems of oppression can inadvertently perpetuate them if not critically examined.

Freire emphasizes the importance of trust in the people's ability to think, want, and know as an "indispensable precondition for revolutionary change." This exhibition, therefore, not only aims to provoke thought but also to foster a dialogical relationship with the viewer. It challenges the audience to move beyond passive observation and to engage critically with the objects, recognizing their potential role in either perpetuating or challenging systems of authority and oppression.

In summary, this exhibition is a complex artistic and academic inquiry into the intricate dynamics of power, authority, and social transformation. Drawing inspiration from Freire's insights, it seeks to engage viewers in a critical dialogue that transcends the aesthetic realm, encouraging them to confront their prejudices, deformations, and potential for action. It serves as a reminder that the struggle for liberation is not just the responsibility of the oppressed, but requires the active participation and critical self-examination of all members of society.