Sawubona: I See You
Photo Credit: Alon Skuy
I am delighted to announce that I’ve been invited to curate an exhibition of South African art for Apter Art during this year’s Miami Art Week. Apter Art, the private collection of South African neuroscientist and art collector Dr. Jeffrey Apter, offers a profound window into the artistry and culture of South Africa. It is an honor to work with such a dynamic and meaningful collection, showcasing a rich variety of voices and perspectives.
Through their work and the conversations that have followed, this group of artists has introduced me to the depth and complexity of South African culture. Their art serves as a bridge, inviting us to explore the shared threads of humanity while celebrating the unique narratives that shape their world.
The exhibition will be held at Temple Emanu-El on Miami Beach, located at 1701 Washington Avenue, directly behind the Convention Center, where Art Basel will once again bring together the global art community. As part of this presentation, I am collaborating with South African artist Cassius Khumalo on a powerful large-scale installation that will greet visitors as they enter the space, offering a striking and memorable introduction to the exhibition.
Please join us as we celebrate the art, culture, and stories of South Africa. We’d love to see you!
Vernissage: December 5, 6-9 PM
December 6, 12-5 PM and 7-9 PM
December 7, 2-9 PM
December 8, 2-5 PM
Location: Temple Emanu-El
1701 Washington Ave, Miami Beach
Please enter through the Washington Ave entrance
- Stacy Conde
Sawubona: I See You
Sawubona: I See You invites viewers to embark on a journey through the rich visual and cultural landscape of South Africa, presenting an intimate and multifaceted portrait of South African life. The word "Sawubona," an everyday greeting in Zulu that means "I see you," offers a poignant lens through which to approach this exhibition. Here, "seeing" transcends the simple act of looking; it calls for an encounter, an acknowledgment of the stories, struggles, resilience, and beauty embedded within each piece.
In this exhibition, a diverse selection of paintings, drawings, and photographs—most of which come from the collection of Dr. Jeffrey Apter, neuroscientist, art collector, and founder of Apter Art—reflects the depth and complexity of South African society. Through these works, artists reveal the pulse of South Africa, capturing scenes of daily life, intimate family moments, and the textured, vibrant communities that make up its social fabric.
The installation of a large clothesline, strung across the gallery and adorned with garments worn by multiple generations of South African families, further contextualizes the exhibition. The clothesline, a common sight across the globe, serves as a powerful yet humble symbol of shared humanity, bridging the space between continents and cultures. Each article of clothing on the line carries the imprint of lives lived, stories told, and traditions passed down. This installation not only contextualizes the artwork but also anchors it in the universal, echoing the exhibition’s invitation to “see” South Africa not as something distant or foreign but as intrinsically linked to our own experiences.
By centering the theme of “I see you,” Sawubona challenges us to move beyond preconceived notions and assumptions, fostering a space of recognition, respect, and connection. As we walk through this collection, we are reminded that art, like the clothesline, connects us across vast distances. It is an expression of identity and humanity, an invitation to see, understand, and ultimately to be seen.
Featured Artists: Happy Dhlame, Cassius Khumalo, Andile Komanisi, Asanda Kupa, John Vusi Mfupi, Alon Skuy
Curated by Stacy Conde