SCRATCHING THE SURFACE Vol.1

Scratching the Surface Vol.1 combines new and re-visited visual and performance work by artists working individually and in collaboration, between places on the planet that are becoming less and less disparate as we charge ahead to a global imagining. The result of the first curatorial project of Gabi Ngcobo and Mwenya Kabwe as collective manje-manje projects (m-mp), the exhibition functions as a site for research and experimentation. Triggered by a desire to obliterate - reveal – satisfy - mark – damage, the contagious act of scratching suggests contact between surfaces : walls, grounds, steel, skin etc, the proverbial ‘itch’ transferred to scratch card and suitcase for the gambler and nomad respectively. Scratching the Surface Vol. 1 serves as experiential experiment in exhibition making across continuously blurring artistic disciplines. Much like the dated experience of scratching lesson notes onto a slate, the curatorial process becomes a loop of scratching, re-membering, cleaning, scratching, remembering, cleaning and scratching further hopefully learning, cleaning, scratching... In collaboration with manje-manje projects and as a development of its cooperative curatorial experiment, L’appartement 22 in Rabat (Morocco) will present Scratching the Surface Vol.1 by showing works by Simone Leigh (USA) and Dineo Bopape (SA).

Featured artists : Dineo Seshee Bopape, Kudzanai Chiurai, Gugulective, Bandile Gumbi, Julian Jonker & Garth Erasmus, Donna Kukama, Kemang Wa Lehulere, Simone Leigh, Thando Mama, Zanele Muholi, Kalinosi Mutale, Robin Rhode, Ruth Sacks, Sean Slemon, Alude Mahali, Katy Streek & Penny Youngleson, Mlu Zondi.

CURATED BY : Gabi Ngcobo and Mwenya Kabwe of manje-manje projects

ASSISTED BY : Lerato Bereng (Cape Africa Platform Young Curator)