A Bridge Between Heritage and Modernity
Indigenous practice is more than a concept; it is a way of being that honours the knowledge, traditions, and philosophies of ancestral communities. Rooted in culture and spirituality, indigenous practices encompass storytelling, rituals, craftsmanship, and ways of living that are deeply connected to the land and its people.It is embodied knowledge, a technology, a science. In the contemporary art world, these practices offer a profound lens through which we can examine identity, resilience, and innovation.
As the global art community continues to evolve, there is a growing recognition of the value of indigenous practices. It serves as both a preservation of heritage and a means to address modern challenges such as climate change, social justice, and cultural erosion. For the Stellenbosch Triennale, indigenous practices form a critical pillar in its celebration of contemporary African art.
Indigenous Practices and the Stellenbosch Triennale
At the heart of the Stellenbosch Triennale lies a commitment to amplifying African voices and philosophies. The 2025 edition, curated by Khanyisile Mbongwa under the theme BA’ZINZILE: A Rehearsal for Breathing, exemplifies this ethos. Indigenous practice is intricately woven into the event’s fabric, reflecting the depth and dynamism of African heritage, and its diaspora, in a modern context.
One of the most striking manifestations of Indigenous practice at the Stellenbosch Triennale is the directive for artists to create their works on-site, using locally sourced, recyclable materials. This approach not only minimises the event’s carbon footprint but also aligns with traditional practices of sustainability and respect for the environment. By crafting art that can disintegrate back into the land, or be reused or recycled, the Triennale reinforces the cyclical relationship between humanity and nature - a principle deeply embedded in many indigenous cultures.
Care and Cure: A Philosophy of Indigenous Practice
Mbongwa’s curatorial vision draws heavily from the philosophy of Care & Cure, which reflects the healing potential of art. Indigenous practices often involve ceremonies and symbols aimed at restoring balance and harmony, whether within individuals or entire communities. This theme resonates throughout the Triennale, inviting both artists and audiences to consider how art can act as a form of spiritual and social healing.
The incorporation of breath as a central metaphor ties indigenous philosophy to the universal human experience. Informed by the Nguni concept of uku’zinza (groundedness and calm), the Triennale explores how stillness and breath serve as mechanisms for survival and imagination. Breath, as Mbongwa states, represents resilience and aliveness—qualities that Indigenous traditions have long celebrated through music, dance, and other embodied practices.
Stellenbosch’s Indigenous Roots
While Stellenbosch is often associated with its picturesque vineyards and colonial history, its indigenous roots tell a deeper story. Long before the arrival of European settlers, the Khwe Khwe people lived on these lands, nurturing a rich cultural heritage that continues to influence the area’s identity. Their knowledge systems, deeply attuned to the environment, exemplify the principles of sustainability and coexistence that the Triennale seeks to honour.
Today, the Stellenbosch Triennale offers a platform to revisit and reimagine these indigenous roots. Through contemporary art, the event bridges the past and present, inviting audiences to engage with heritage not as a relic but as a living, evolving force. This perspective shifts the narrative of Stellenbosch from one of division to one of connection and unity.
A Rehearsal for the Future
Indigenous practice challenges us to rethink modernity. It calls for a return to practices that value balance, community, and sustainability - values that are more relevant than ever in a world facing environmental and social crises. The Stellenbosch Triennale stands as a rehearsal space for this reimagining, where African art and indigenous wisdom take centre stage to inspire a collective breath toward a brighter future.
Whether through the use of natural materials, the themes of breath and resilience, or the reactivation of Stellenbosch’s indigenous heritage, the Triennale exemplifies how art can be a powerful agent for change. It is not just a showcase of creativity but a call to action, asking all of us to engage with the principles of Care & Cure and imagine new ways of being in the world.
For more information about the Stellenbosch Triennale 2025, visit stellenboschtriennale.com.
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