Dive into the heart of black township life in the '90s with our writers' session, an extension of the captivating archival showcase curated by Mxolisi Nyezwa. This exhibition unveils a trove of stories, both poignant and humorous, reflecting the experiences of school-going children and out-of-school youths in Gqeberha during the mid-'80s and early '90s. Nyezwa, a luminary writer and poet from New Brighton township, leads this exploration into a crucial segment of post-apartheid history.

In the absence of social media, the '90s youth expressed themselves through street art, graphic installations, and linocut depictions, using pen and paper to compose poems and plays. These creative expressions served as a lifeline for understanding life under a repressive state. As Nyezwa aptly notes, these narratives hold the key to liberating today's youth from the shadows of South Africa's dark past.

In collaboration with the Imbizo Arts Center, three creative writing sessions will be conducted with the aim of nurturing a passion for reading and writing. Imbizo Arts, established in 1998, is a writing project initiated by a local collective of writers and artists. Join us for this unique opportunity to delve into the powerful narratives presented in the original exhibition Word Exhibition 1998 - 2002, connecting with the struggles and resilience of a community during a transformative period in South African history.

Book your place to see the exhibition here: https://tickets.mbaf.co.za/event/9/word-exhibition-1998-2022

About the Artists

Mxolisi Nyezwa, born in 1967 in Bhilawa (New Brighton), is an accomplished author with three poetry books in English: "Song Trials" (2000), "New Country" (2008), and "Malikhanye" (2011). Additionally, he has published a collection of isiXhosa poems titled "Ndiyoyika" (2016). His poetry has been featured in numerous anthologies in South Africa and internationally.

In 1997, Nyezwa established the multilingual cultural journal Kotaz, a venture he continues to edit. Furthermore, he serves as a publisher of Xhosa books under the Imbizo Arts imprint. Beyond his literary pursuits, Nyezwa manages a small business and an urban chicken farm located in Motherwell, just outside of Gqeberha.