I HOPE YOU DANCE: REFUGE FOR STUDENTS

Nehema Ntumba

@nehema_ntumba

On Saturday, 28 June, the NWU Gallery hosted their first Art Exhibition at its new location F16G, titled, I Hope You Dance. This theme was conceptualised by the new Art Curator of the Gallery, Sherly Msomi, and her amazing team. “Ethereal” is the word to describe the evening. Entering the space felt like being in a completely different environment. The ambience, music, food and people created an atmosphere that not only felt welcoming but accepting, that even someone who has just recently started to take a liking to the arts would be accepted.

The night kicked off with a performance from the NWU Gospella, which helped set the tone for the rest of the evening. To a creative’s delight, another musical act called Typical P Crew performed. After these performances, Sheryl Msomi, the gallery’s new curator, gave a speech explaining the theme of the exhibition, showing that the theme dance is a parallel metaphor for life, and that no matter how difficult life gets, continue to push through. This theme was chosen as it reflects the lives of students. It described how life is constantly moving fast, changing and transitioning without a pause, but despite all these changes, the hope is that you keep moving and never stop despite life’s difficulties.

Under the guidance of its new curator, the gallery hopes to make itself the new hotspot for students, a place they can use as a refuge and an escape from the hustle and bustle that comes with being a student. The way that they aim to do this is by having some interactive sessions with students and holding mini lectures that last for 30 minutes. These lectures will assist students to have a better understanding of art and what goes into the artworks that they see. Additionally, the gallery intends to have more exhibitions throughout the year, namely an all women show, as well as an artist residency that will invite an international artist to lead the exhibition. 

These goals show the new era the gallery is entering in, one that explores different themes and ways of thinking. So, when life gets tough, keep dancing, keep dreaming and keep moving forward, because what’s life without a few curve balls.

A picture of artwork displayed at the NWU Gallery’s Art Exhibition: I Hope You Dance (Source: Nehema Ntumba)

Edited by Mhlengi Khumalo