“Of all forms of visual art, ceramics are perhaps some of the most ubiquitous. Stretching over millennia and geographic expanses, clay has been exhumed and shaped into culture since the dawn of mankind. Whether it be for artistic and decorative expression, as functional objects, or as artifacts of spiritual practice, ceramic pieces signify identities. These objects, as such, become a nexus between the earth and being human; as much as man has shaped clay, ceramics have shaped the human race. Yet, whilst durable enough to carry buried messages across empires, the substance of fired clay is at once fragile. Handling, transportation, and indeed preservation of ceramic objects require intentional care. The interpretation of ceramic artifacts excavated from the past is often read in ‘cracked code’; many vessels dating from eras past exist only in part, due to their brittle composition. An analogy, perhaps, for history itself? This exhibition seeks to draw out clues about the representation of our collective South African identities, past and present - whether it be through the domestic, the sacred, or symbols of social allegiance.”

Running concurrently with (un)Earthed is an accompanying outdoor exhibition featuring large photographs of each of the ceramic works on show at the museum. Placed at approved locations in the historic tourist town, visitors to the student and tourist town are encouraged to experience the works while exploring the streets, before heading to the museum to see them in person (or vice versa!)

Stellenbosch Triennale is a non-commercial, multidisciplinary art platform showcasing a range of artists from Africa and the diaspora. To date, the Trust has brought over 250 works of fine art to the streets of Stellenbosch, by some of the most renowned artists in the world.

“African creatives confront us with what is possible for a renewal to happen utilising art as a lens, a course correction, a stimulus around curiosity and imagination. Through the Stellenbosch Triennale, we bring work from the continent to the southernmost tip as an intersection of time – where the past, present and future are in dialogue,” explains Khanyisile Mbongwa, Chief Curator of the Triennale.

Featured alongside Fani are fellow ceramicists Wim Botha, Lucinda Mudge, Marijke Van Velden, Githan Coopoo, Ben Orkin, Marlene Steyn and Ceramic Matters.

You may also like to read 'Zanele Muholi joins master photographers in Freedom, I dream up for myself and others at Val de Vie, Paarl'.