Many city residents were initially alarmed on Wednesday night, mistaking an artistic performance at the Cecil John Rhodes statue for an act of vandalism.
WHILE many Kimberley residents were shocked at what they thought was an act of vandalism at the Cecil John Rhodes statue on Wednesday night, it turned out to be an artistic statement against colonialism.
The police and a local archaeologist were called to the scene after the statue’s head was draped in a sheet and what appeared to be paint was splashed across its surface.
The organiser of the “Reclaiming Space: Awakening Social Sessions”, Tshepo Tlhalogang, said the live performance featuring local artists and performers was part of a four-day festival to spark social engagement about the history of the city.
“It wasn’t vandalism but rather an artistic exploration of historical symbols,” said Tlhalogang. “The ‘paint’ is actually clay that can be wiped off. We achieved what we set out to do – not to provoke – but to get everyone to sit up and notice and to get people talking. No one has approached the city’s history from this perspective.”
Tlhalogang added that the “blood” that was painted onto the statue symbolised the effect of colonialism on communities.
“In the history books, we are only told a one-sided view of Cecil John Rhodes and we are angry at what was imposed on us. We are not calling for colonial statues to be removed as it is a part of history. Let us rather learn the lessons emanating from history to make sure that it is not repeated.”
He added that more performances are planned for at the Sol Plaatje statue, the Cecil John Rhodes statue and the Duggan-Cronin Gallery over the next four days.
