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Remastering Space and Subjectivity in Post-Apartheid South Africa: A Literary and Visual Exploration

Barry Bryant

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Published in Kwaito Bodies: Remastering Space And Subjectivity In Post Apartheid South Africa

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The end of apartheid in South Africa in 1994 marked a significant turning point in the country's history. However, the legacy of apartheid continues to shape South African society in profound ways. One of the most important ways in which apartheid has left its mark is through the spatial and subjective divisions it created.

During apartheid, South Africa was divided into separate spaces for different racial groups. These spaces were designed to maintain white supremacy and to prevent black people from participating fully in society. The legacy of this spatial division is still evident today in the form of segregated neighborhoods, schools, and public spaces.

Kwaito Bodies: Remastering Space and Subjectivity in Post-Apartheid South Africa

by Lynn Eustis

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Language	:	English
File size	:	28292 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	288 pages

Apartheid also had a profound impact on the subjectivity of black South Africans. Under apartheid, black people were denied basic human rights and were subjected to constant humiliation and discrimination. This experience of oppression had a lasting impact on the way that black South Africans see themselves and their place in the world.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement in South Africa to challenge the legacy of apartheid. This movement has taken many forms, including literary and visual art. In these works, artists and writers are exploring the spatial and subjective boundaries that were created during apartheid and are imagining new ways of living together.

Literary Explorations of Space and Subjectivity

Many South African writers have explored the themes of space and subjectivity in their work. One of the most important of these writers is J.M. Coetzee. In his novels, Coetzee often writes about the experiences of white South Africans who are struggling to come to terms with the legacy of apartheid. In his novel Disgrace, for example, Coetzee tells the story of a white professor who is forced to confront his own racism after his daughter is raped by a black man.

Another important South African writer who has explored the themes of space and subjectivity is Zakes Mda. In his novels, Mda often writes about the experiences of black South Africans who are struggling to find their place in a post-apartheid society. In his novel The Heart of Redness, for example, Mda tells the story of a black man who is haunted by the memories of his experiences during apartheid.

These are just two examples of the many ways in which South African writers are exploring the themes of space and subjectivity. These writers are helping to shape a new understanding of what it means to be South African in the post-apartheid era.

Visual Explorations of Space and Subjectivity

In addition to literature, visual artists have also played an important role in exploring the themes of space and subjectivity in post-apartheid South Africa. One of the most important of these artists is William Kentridge. Kentridge's work often focuses on the scars of apartheid and the ways in which they continue to shape South African society. In his film The Refusal of Time, for example, Kentridge uses charcoal drawings and animation to tell the story of a white family who is haunted by the ghosts of their past.

Another important South African visual artist who has explored the themes of space and subjectivity is Zanele Muholi. Muholi's work often celebrates the beauty and resilience of black queer people. In her series of photographs titled Faces and Phases, for example, Muholi portrays black queer people in a variety of poses and expressions. These photographs challenge traditional representations of black queer people and offer a new way of seeing them.

These are just two examples of the many ways in which South African visual artists are exploring the themes of space and subjectivity. These artists are helping to create a new visual language for understanding the complexities of post-apartheid South Africa.

The legacy of apartheid continues to shape South African society in profound ways. However, the works of South African artists and writers offer hope for a better future. These works challenge the spatial and subjective boundaries that were created during apartheid and imagine new ways of living together. In ng so, they are helping to create a more just and equitable society for all South Africans.

Call to Action

If you are interested in learning more about the ways in which South African artists and writers are exploring the themes of space and subjectivity, I encourage you to read the book Remastering Space and Subjectivity in Post-Apartheid South Africa. This book brings together the work of leading scholars in the field and offers a comprehensive overview of this important topic.

By reading this book, you will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing South Africa in the post-apartheid era. You will also be inspired by the work of the artists and writers who are helping to shape a new future for South Africa.

Free Download your copy of Remastering Space and Subjectivity in Post-Apartheid South Africa today!