To shout is to cheer, scream or cry out loud.
For the two-day symposium centred on the work of South African artist Tracey Rose, titled Shouting Down Babylon, we use the metaphor of shouting, to call out, articulate and amplify important discourse around race, politics, identity, history and performative practice. The title is a play on the title of Rose’s retrospective exhibition, Shooting Down Babylon, currently on show at Zeitz MOCAA.
The exhibition’s title derives from an iconic installation Shooting Down Babylon (The Art of War) (2016), which reflects on varied exorcist, birthing and resistance rituals. For Rose, Babylon is synonymous with the Roman Empire, a long-standing, complex regime that can be said to still exist in multifarious oppressive forms today.
The symposium examines Rose’s work in-depth, creating a space for reflection and theoretical articulation. The two-day programme will include critical discourse and performative interventions facilitated by local and international thinkers.
Zeitz MOCAA will also launch the first major monograph on Tracey Rose, with contributions by Adrienne Edwards, Christine Eyene, Gabi Ngcobo, Kellie Jones, Khwezi Gule, Koyo Kouoh, Kristine Stiles, Renaud Proch, Sean O’Toole, Simon Njami, Tandazani Dhlakama, Tracy Murinik and Zen Marie. The monograph will expand on significant themes in Rose’s work, including absurdity, spirituality, post-coloniality, gender, sexuality, race and the body while simultaneously reflecting on the materiality and tension inherent in her work.
All of the symposium participants are contributors to Rose’s monograph or have collaborated on various projects with her in significant ways over the years.
The symposium will include a performance by Masello Motana & the Vocal Museum, presented by Chimurenga in collaboration with Zeitz MOCAA and held at Chimurenga Factory on Friday, 8 July from 8.30 pm. This sonic documentary is an activation of the Azanian songbook by singer-satirist, actress and performance artist Masello Motana, backed by a live band that includes Sibusiso Mkhize (vocals), Sibusiso Dlamini (keys), Bongani Nikelo (bass), Kegorogile Makgatle (drums).
Click here to download the full programme.
Symposium registration link: https://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=1515658524
Party registration link: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/180571-masello-motanas-vocal-museum/#/
Date and time:
SYMPOSIUM DAY 1
Friday, 8 July
9.30 am – 6 pm
Venue: Zeitz MOCAA
BOOK LAUNCH
Friday, 8 July
6 – 8 pm
Venue: Zeitz MOCAA
PERFORMANCE
Friday, 8 July
8.30 pm till late
Venue: Chimurenga Factory, 157 Victoria Road, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925
SYMPOSIUM DAY 2
Saturday, 9 July
9.30 am – 6.15 pm
Venue: Zeitz MOCAA