Community Punching Bags (CPBs), 2012

Collaborate project and exhibition, Iziko South African National Gallery Annexe, Cape Town, 23 May – 16 June 2012 + KZNSA Gallery, Durban, 10 – 29 July 2012

Exhibition Catalogue: Download PDF
Exhibition video: Scroll to video

The Community Punching Bags or CPBs exhibition was more...

The Community Punching Bags or CPBs exhibition was an artwork by myself, in collaboration with art teachers and high school learners from Cape Town (during 2011 and 2012). The collaborating art teachers and Grade 10 learners were from Livingstone High School (Claremont), Camps Bay High School, Heideveld Senior Secondary School, Fish Hoek High School, and Isilimela High School (Langa).

The exhibition presented a satirical commentary on South Africa’s obsession with racial classification and underlying xenophobia. Inspired by artwork in which the community plays a central part in its realisation, this project aimed to show that issues often not spoken about openly – such as those that deal with violence, ‘the other’, stereotyping, discrimination, racism, xenophobia and human rights – could be addressed in a collaborative and creative way through the making of art.

Less...

Jester Hanging Ball, side A, 2012 - Johann van der Schijff

Jester Hanging Ball, side A, 2012, aluminium, stainless steel, plywood, tanned leather, basketball, stuffing, 90cm high x 70cm wide x 88cm deep.

Jester Hanging Ball, side B, 2012 - Johann van der Schijff

Jester Hanging Ball, side B, 2012, aluminium, stainless steel, plywood, tanned leather, basketball, stuffing, 90cm high x 70cm wide x 88cm deep.

Johann discussing the paper cut-out design with accompanying leather punch bag with teachers during workshop at the Peter Clarke Art Centre (formerly known as the Frank Joubert Art Centre).

Workshop discussion with teachers at the Peter Clarke Art Centre (formerly known as the Frank Joubert Art Centre).

A teacher inspecting a punchbag example.

Johann giving a presentation about the project to learners from Heideveld Senior Secondary School.

Learners from Isilimela High School working on their projects at the Peter Clarke Art Centre (formerly known as the Frank Joubert Art Centre).

Amukelo Ngobeni from Isilimela High School discuss his punching bag design with Johann.

Amukelo’s Punching Bag, side A, 2012 - Amukelo Bapse Ngobeni

Amukelo Bapse Ngobeni, Amukelo’s Punching Bag, side A, 2012. Aluminium, stainless steel, plywood, tanned leather, basketball, stuffing. 70cm wide x 90cm high x 88cm deep.

Amukelo Bapse Ngobeni, Amukelo’s Punching Bag, side B, 2012. Aluminium, stainless steel, plywood, tanned leather, basketball, stuffing. 70cm wide x 90cm high x 88cm deep.

Community Punching Bags or CPBs project installation footage, KZNSA Gallery, Durban & Iziko South African National Gallery Annexe, Cape Town.