The Univerisity of Johannesburg (UJ) Art Gallery recently announced in a media statement that it is set to unveil its forthcoming exhibition, Cities in Transformation – The Centre Cannot Hold, featuring the work of the photographer Leon Krige. This groundbreaking photography exhibition delves into the fluid and frequently overlooked boundaries established by power and political influences within urban environments.
Commencing on 4 September 2024 at the UJ Art Gallery, this exhibition presents an intriguing array of panoramic stitched images and experimental analogue photographs, providing a deep visual narrative.
“The exhibition delves into the deep-rooted histories and evolving identities of cities such as Johannesburg, Belfast, Rome, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Through these images, Krige captures the complex and often contentious boundaries that define these urban environments. From the sodium-orange glow that marks the edges of Johannesburg’s townships to the towering peace walls in Belfast, this body of work presents a vivid exploration of how physical and metaphorical boundaries shape the lives of city dwellers”. University of Johannesburg (UJ) Art Gallery wrote in a media statement.
Krige’s photography is deeply rooted in his relationship with Johannesburg, as he contemplates the city’s historical context of inequality, fear, and segregation.
“In Johannesburg, the sodium lights that once marked the townships now tell a story of both segregation and resilience. My work is about documenting these transformations and challenging the viewer to consider the forces that continue to shape our urban landscapes. These changes are most apparent after dark.”
About UJ Art Gallery
Nestled at the heart of the University of Johannesburg’s Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, the UJ Art Gallery has been a dynamic platform for showcasing emerging and established artists for over three decades. With a mission centered on promoting artistic expression, fostering critical engagement with contemporary art, and nurturing Johannesburg’s arts ecosystem, the gallery’s permanent collection of over 2,000 diverse artworks reflects South African vibrancy. Through curated exhibitions, educational programs, and public events, the UJ Art Gallery cultivates a space for dialogue, reflection, and inspiration.