Durban art picks: January 14 2010

The work of artists from many different cultural traditions is celebrated this week.

• The work of 135 artists in KwaZulu-Natal is represented in the remarkable, comprehensive
  Jabulisa 2010, the latest incarnation of the initiative which is a profound expression of the depth and width of original art and craft from the province. Characterised both by a formidable range of work across a variety of media (painting, ceramics, artist’s books, animation, fabric, mosaic, weaving and more) as well as the individual excellence of each separate piece. After its run at the Durban Art Gallery Jabulisa 2010 travels to galleries and museums in Margate, Empangeni, Eshowe Museum and Newcastle.
  
  Durban Art Gallery, City Hall. Until January 23. Tel: 031 332 7286

• To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of indentured Indian laborers in South Africa, the Durban Art Gallery has curated Samsara: The Indian Legacy, an inspired exhibition
  of contemporary art from a wide range of some of the finest artists in South Africa. Work from the DAG’s permanent collection is juxpaposed with recent creations by invited artists who celebrate the impact that Indian art and culture has had in the broader South African context. Works by veteran visionaries such as Andrew Verster are complemented by those created by younger, more conceptually-driven artists such as Carol Gainer and Zen Marie. Overarching themes have been identified and explored to unpack political, religious, cultural and social practice with the majority of work by artists of Indian descent and those who have been strongly influenced by symbols and identities associated with Indian culture. Approximately 50 works in a range of media including painting, photography, video and installation are on show.

  Durban Art Gallery, Durban City Hall. Until February 13. Tel: 031 332 7286