South Africa, The Art of a Nation; British Museum, 27 October 2016 – 26 February 2017

Information here

"South African archaeology preserves some of the earliest evidence for artistic practice anywhere in the world. Today, South Africa has an established, vibrant contemporary art scene. South African artists frequently work in a dialogue with the distant and recent past, creating contemporary art that provides striking insights into South Africa today.

This will be the first major UK exhibition to use objects to tell the story of South Africa’s art heritage and history over an astonishing 3 million years. It will include some of the earliest known human artworks and iconic pre-colonial art from southern Africa. It will explore the impact of non African artistic influences and traditions from the 17th century onwards, showcase 20th century apartheid ‘resistance art’, and celebrate the contemporary art of post-apartheid transformation. Importantly, contemporary artworks will be included that reflect on the significance of each of these periods and events for South Africans today".

The last time she was in South Africa, my daughter brought back as presents impressive contemporary art-works by Sithole Lebohang, 'Sonomo' (some information here) and Phillip Mabote (a linocut), some information here - and further information here

On Sithole: "The youngest print maker in this exhibition, his work is structured around narratives of a township life – arguably Orange Farm where he stays" - http://www.artsouthafrica.com/.

I wonder if they are amongst the "cutting-edge" artists represented in the British Museum exhibition.

A review of the exhibition, Christies'  - John Picton, Emeritus Professor of African Art at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, reviews an exhibition at the British Museum that blows away preconceived notions about the origins of the African aesthetic.