In his work Kemang Wa Lehulere explores questions of collective memory and seeks to uncover the traces of South African history. To this end, he not only uses the devices of revealing and writing down but also of wiping out text and pictures. His wall-sized drawings, installations, performances and photographs establish a link between the the trauma and myths of South Africa’s past and contemporary social issues. Lehulere‘s works may be read as an archive, which demonstrates the process of forgetting and, like a collage, simultaneously opens avenues to new narratives that encourage multiple interpretations.

In addition to the cash prize, Baloise acquires a group of works by the award winners and donates them to two important European museums. The work of Kemang Wa Lehulere was presented to the collection of the Hamburger Kunsthalle.

Gallery: Stevenson, Cape Town

Jury members:
Manuel Borja-Villel, Director Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid; Eric Decelle, Collection Eric Decelle, Brussels; Karola Kraus, Director, Museum Moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig, Vienna; Petra Roettig, Director, Galerie der Gegenwart, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg; and Martin Schwander, Fine Art Advisor of Baloise, Chairman of the jury.