The Blind

Object Details

Cyprian Mpho Shilakoe, 1941-1972, born South Africa

Series

19/25

Label Text

Shilakoe's imagery focuses on the degrading effects of apartheid and addresses the human condition. The figure in "The Blind" represents humanity groping for answers in a bigoted, injust system--searching for relief, reform and renewed vision. Shilakoe trained at an important printmaking center run by Swedish missionaries at Rorke's Drift. The Rorke's Drift center was just one of a number of key workshops that provided training for non-white artists during the apartheid regime.

Description

Etching on paper of a hunched over figure with large hands.

Exhibition History

Encounters with the Contemporary, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., January 7, 2001-January 6, 2002

Claiming Art / Reclaiming Space: Post Apartheid Art from South Africa, National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., June 21-September 26, 1999

Content Statement

As part of our commitment to accessibility and transparency, the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art is placing its collection records online. Please note that some records are incomplete (missing image or content descriptions) and others reflect out-of-date language or systems of thought regarding how to engage with and discuss cultural heritage and the specifics of individual artworks. If you see content requiring immediate action, we will do our best to address it in a timely manner. Please email nmafacuratorial@si.edu if you have any questions.

Image Requests

High resolution digital images are not available for some objects. For publication quality photography and permissions, please contact the Eliot Elisofon Photographic Archives at https://africa.si.edu/research/eliot-elisofon-photographic-archives/

Credit Line

Museum purchase

1969

Object number

91-13-3

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Print

Medium

Etching on paper

Dimensions

H x W: 76.8 x 51.4 cm (30 1/4 x 20 1/4 in.)

Geography

South Africa

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National Museum of African Art Collection

National Museum of African Art

Record ID

nmafa_91-13-3

Metadata Usage (text)

Usage conditions apply

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ys737476552-f4ae-440f-afb8-6b0158cae36c