As with many things in life, once something is out of sight, it usually becomes out of mind; the After The Barbarians solo exhibit, however, strives to bring South Africa's post-apartheid culture back into the limelight. By illustrating some of the more ludicrous aspects of this culture, it questions those in economical and political power.
Like the Cape Town version of Banksy, although he skips out on tagging walls, Anton Kannemeyer is as controversial as he is artistic. Through his satirical sociopolitical comics Kannemeyer manages to strike a heavy cord as he continues to criticize conservative Afrikaans values and the corruptive force of Western colonization. At the heart of After The Barbarians, named for J.M. Coetzee's 'Waiting for the Barbarians,' he addresses the idea of "enslaved humanity."
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Satirical Sociopolitical Comics
- Opportunity for artists to use satire and illustration to comment on social and political issues.
- Post-apartheid Culture
- Exploration of South Africa's post-apartheid culture through artistic expression.
- Criticism of Conservative Values
- Platform for questioning and critiquing conservative Afrikaans values.
Where This Applies
- Art and Design
- Opportunity for artists and designers to create thought-provoking satirical works.
- Publishing and Media
- Potential for publishing satirical sociopolitical comics in print or online media outlets.
- Social Activism
- Chance to utilize satirical comics as a medium for advocating social and political change.
