“Voices”, Spier Contemporary, 2010

This work is part of the ‘Voices’ series that began in Cape Town in 2010. I was invited by the Rhodes Mellon Focus Area ‘Visual and Performing Arts of Africa’ to perform a work entitled ‘Intersection’, which explores constructions of ‘foreignness’ in relation to place and identity, at the Arts Lounge during the National Arts Festival.

I portray my personal experience in a foreign country. In this work I explore elements of an existing relationship between a new country and me…I am inspired in this performance by the experience of living in a cosmopolitan society, facing a multifaceted reality (of cultures, languages and races).

My experience as a foreign black male living in constant uncertainty sometimes can make one defensive. Identity and difference can be a positive thing (of richness and diversity), however in various cases carry out the perception of divergence and distance.