Sawubona: I See You

Photo Credit: Alon Skuy

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

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