Berlin

Santu Mofokeng | Chasing Shadows: Magic and Disease

21.11.–22.12.2006

“Chasing Shadows”, the series of works developed over many years by Santu Mofokeng (*1956), explores the significance of landscape as a space for memory and a locus of magical thinking. In the most recent complex “Magic and Disease” he travelled to the caves near Clarens, Free State in the environs of Johannesburg. This cave area is one of the sacred sites in South Africa used by religious communities as a space to live together and engage in ritual practices, as well as being sought out by many black Africans as a place of spiritual succour. In his black and white photographs Mofokeng captures this spirituality occurring in and around the caves – simultaneously dwelling and landscape – with an almost haptic tangible immediacy. Mofokeng picks up on a hugely topical burning issue in this series: the question of the status of belief as an integrative element imparting meaning but also as an instrument of power in political discourse.

Installation Views

  • Santu Mofokeng, Chasing Shadows: Magic and Disease, exhibition view at carlier | gebauer, 2006

  • Santu Mofokeng, Chasing Shadows: Magic and Disease, exhibition view at carlier | gebauer, 2006

  • Santu Mofokeng, Christmas Church Service, 1996

  • Santu Mofokeng, Inside Motouleng Cave Clarens, 1996

  • Santu Mofokeng, Priest Carrying A Bible, 1996

  • Santu Mofokeng,  The Buddhist Retreat Kwa Zulu Natal, 2003

  • Santu Mofokeng, Ishmael Eyes Wide Shut, 2004

  • Santu Mofokeng, Sacrad Animals,  Motouleng Cave, 2004

  • Santu Mofokeng, Chasing Shadows: Magic and Disease, exhibition view at carlier | gebauer, 2006