ArtSA

BIENNALE ARTE 2022: THE MILK OF DREAMS

The 59th International Art Exhibition, titled The Milk of Dreams and curated by Cecilia Alemani, is organised by La Biennale di Venezia chaired by Roberto Cicutto. The Pre-opening will take place on April 20, 21 and 22. The Awards Ceremony and Inauguration will be held on 23 April 2022.

Into the Light

South Africa’s national exhibition for Biennale Arte 2022 reflects the theme ‘Into the Light’ which complements the overarching theme ‘The Milk of Dreams’.

 

In order to fully grasp the existential
threats facing humanity, and consequently redefine how we interact with our ecosystems and other species, we must first understand and define ourselves, our vision and our goals.

 

This requires earnest introspection and self-discovery through delving into the alternate realm of fantasy and
imagination, as key elements of our psyche are often buried in the subconscious. In the daily hubbub of normal life, this process of introspection is often deferred due to more pressing priorities.

 

The ‘new normal’ of the COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantines enforced isolation and solitude.
While this was justifiably viewed as symptomatic of another threat facing humanity, ‘Into the Light’
proposes that adversity can bring opportunity. Being cloistered in our homes, unable to travel or engage personally with our peers, afforded us the time and undistracted privacy to redefine our self-
identity and seek personal truth. This, in turn, allows us to frame our personal contribution to the collective imperative to place humanity on a healthier, safer and more sustainable path.

Sponsored by The Department of Sport, Arts & Culture

Our Artists

Phumulani Ntuli

Phumulani Ntuli is a multidisciplinary artist who describes his work as based around fictional geographies, simulation, archive and representation.

Lebohang Kganye

Lebohang Kganye is a Johannesburg-based visual artist who uses photography, theatre, animation, cuttings and installations /sculpture to realise her artistic vision.

Roger Ballen

Roger Ballen is a world-renowned photographic artist working in Johannesburg, South Africa. His oeuvre, which spans five decades, began with documentary photography.