Lapeng Collective Exhibition Article

In a recent article by the Lapeng Collective titled The Art of Contemporary, our curatorial assistant, Itumeleng Manne, was featured to highlight the beginning of her curatorial journey. The piece includes an interview conducted by the article's author, Hlalefang Makoetlane, with Itumeleng.

Article text:

"In a world where art often speaks louder than words, Itumeleng ‘Tumi’ Manne of Under The Aegis stands as a beacon of innovation and reflection. Recently, I had the pleasure of delving into her thoughts during an enlightening interview for The Art of Contemporary Art series on Lapeng Collective. The conversation illuminated not just her role as a curator but also her profound connection to the art world.

Tumi’s journey began in a bustling family of six, where her father’s unwavering support became the bedrock of her passion for art. “He pushed my three siblings and me to chase what we love,” she shared, highlighting how this nurturing environment paved her path toward becoming a curator. It’s remarkable how familial encouragement can shape destinies, and for Tumi, it ignited a love affair with art that has only grown deeper over the years.

Reflecting on her early days in high school, Tumi recalled a time when her focus was primarily on honing her skills as an artist. “I started to fall in love with art, but it was the theory that truly captivated me,” she explained. This shift in perspective allowed her to appreciate the rich history that permeates various art movements. Each brushstroke and sculpture is not merely an aesthetic choice but a dialogue with the past, a testament to the eras that shaped its creation.

Curating exhibitions is not just a job for Tumi; it’s a philosophy grounded in authenticity. As she prepared for her recent exhibition, she continually asked herself a critical question: Do the artworks and artists resonate with the ideas in her curatorial text? This introspection ensures that her connection to the pieces is both visual and contextual, fostering a deeper engagement with her audience.

“I want my audience to feel seen and valued.” – Tumi Manne

But what does she hope her audience takes away from these experiences? “I want them to feel seen and valued,” she said, emphasizing the importance of connection in art. In a world often marked by division, Tumi strives to create spaces where viewers can reflect on their own experiences through the lens of art.

Her first exhibition was a labor of love and research, stemming from her Honours thesis that explored the violent history of language in the representation of African art. This foundational work propelled her to investigate the broader systems of power and representation that continue to distort narratives around African cultural objects. “This exhibition became a platform to challenge those structures,” she noted, aiming to reframe African art through voices that resist colonial legacies.

Currently, Tumi is thrilled to unveil her exhibition, Layers of Being: A Portal to Identity. This showcase brings together emerging artists, each presenting unique interpretations and styles. “I’m excited to convey how diverse our artistic expressions can be,” she expressed, her passion palpable. This exhibition is not just about art; it’s about the stories behind it and the myriad ways creativity can be expressed.

As we concluded our conversation, it was clear that Tumi Manne is more than a curator. She is a storyteller, a researcher, and a champion for voices that have long been marginalized. Through her work, she invites us all to engage with art not just as spectators but as participants in a larger dialogue about history and the transformative power of creativity.

In a world in need of connection and understanding, Tumi’s vision shines brightly, reminding us that art can indeed be a portal to deeper self-awareness and cultural appreciation.

Explore the Exhibition

Under The Aegis, invites you to discover the incredible works of the featured artists in Layers of Being: A Portal to Identity until the 18th of June 2025. Each piece is a unique exploration of artistic expression, showcasing the rich tapestry of perspectives that define our shared cultural landscape. Join us in celebrating these voices and the stories they tell!

Artworks by Brook-lynn Norkie, Edinah Chagwedera, Katleho Mosia, Liam Van Der Heever, Jason Langa, Lungile Ngcobo, Mhlonishwa Zulu, Mihlali Jiya, Samkelo Mchunu, Tuveso Landu, and Zenaéca Singh." (H, Makoetlane: 2025)

To explore more about Lapeng Collective, you can visit their site:

https://lapengcollectiveblog.wordpress.com