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Passage - Frames 1-13, 2017 by Mohau Modisakeng at The South African Pavilion, Venice. Image courtesy of WHATIFTHEWORLD, Cape Town; Galerie Ron Mandos, Amsterdam and Tyburn Gallery, London

Love Story, 2016 by Candice Breitz at The South African Pavilion, Venice

The South African Pavilion explores identity in the digital age

By Rhiannon McGregor 15 : 05 : 2017 Digital : Culture : Design

Venice – A collaboration between visual artists Candice Breitz and Mohau Modisakeng, examines the notion of the self.

Curated by Lucy MacGarry and Musha Neluheni, the multimedia exhibition considers the past and present state of ‘refugeeness’, and its effect on modern African identity.

A video installation by Breitz examines the notion of the self as shaped by race, gender and religion, and the influence of mainstream media and celebrity culture on the collective consciousness. It explores how ‘identification with fictional characters and celebrity figures runs parallel to widespread indifference to the plight of those facing real-world adversity’ such as refugees.

Modisakeng’s photography, performance and installation work centres on the idea of local narrative. Inspired by his own experiences growing up amid the violence of post-apartheid South Africa, the works explore themes of black male identity, body and place.

The Big Picture

In today’s globalised, borderless world, driven by a rise in New Bricolage Living, artists are exploring what it means to be an individual who forms part of a larger community
Keep an eye on our Briefing and Shows sections for more highlights from the Venice Biennale 2017