Ballen, Kganye and Ntuli, South African Pavilion at the 59th Venice Biennale

About

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.