Asanda Kupa, Abantu Ngabomhlaba Abanamhlaba, 2021. Acrylic on canvas. 135 x 175 cm. Courtesy of Absa Gallery
Asanda Kupa, Abantu Ngabomhlaba Abanamhlaba, 2021. Acrylic on canvas. 135 x 175 cm. Courtesy of Absa Gallery

Remnant | Absa Art Hot Spot

Proudly South African Promise

Absa is set to continue its role of shaping the visual arts landscape in South Africa when it hosts its latest exhibition, entitled ‘Remnant’, which opened on the Absa Art Hot Spot on 26 August 2021.

Continuing their role in shaping the visual arts landscape in South Africa, Absa brings us an exhibition exploring the residual remnants of human existence. ‘Remnant’ Highlights two of South Africa’s most promising artists.

Kirsten Eksteen hails from Grassy Park in the Cape Flats. Her unique artistic style earned her a merit in the 2018 Absa L’Atelier Art Competition. This enabled her to take up a short residency in New York giving her insight.

I discovered that art comes from an artist and, therefore, the artist is part of the artwork they produce.

Kirsten Eksteen

The 26-year-old presents ten artworks ranging from installation to linen-based canvasses in the exhibition. She looks at ‘Remnant’ as her artistic introduction to South Africa. One particular piece showcases her belief that the artist is part of their work, a steel wool suit. She constructed and wore the suit until it had moulded to the shape of her body, a true commitment to her craft.

Kirsten Eksteen, When The Two Meet II, 2021. Photographic Digital print on natural hemp. 21 x 29.7 cm. Courtesy of Absa Gallery
Kirsten Eksteen, When The Two Meet II, 2021. Photographic Digital print on natural hemp. 21 x 29.7 cm. Courtesy of Absa Gallery

42-year-old Asanda Kupa, from the Molteno in the Eastern Cape believes he was born to be an artist. This exhibition serves as a reminder, for him, of land ownership which he believes to be one of the most topical issues in the country.

Kupa tackles the concept of whether the land belongs to us or us to the land. He does this by turning slightly from his standard style. His art has historically shown the movement of people, now, he shows this movement without their actual presence.

Asanda Kupa, Izixhobo Zokulungisa Zasetyenziswa Uku Chita, 2021. Acrylic on canvas. 135 x 175 cm. Courtesy of Absa Gallery
Asanda Kupa, Izixhobo Zokulungisa Zasetyenziswa Uku Chita, 2021. Acrylic on canvas. 135 x 175 cm. Courtesy of Absa Gallery

Absa Senior Specialist Art Curator, Dr Paul Bayliss, expresses that the new digital platform allows Absa to continue making possibilities a reality for artists from across the African continent. Despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the Absa Art Hot Spot has given art lovers access to the art without physical gatherings.

Bayliss speaks fondly of Eksteen and Kupa, describing the two as “uniquely gifted creatives”. The two artists have truly distinct work, a reflection of their distinct backgrounds but Bayliss believes that their difference makes the collaboration authentic and engaging.

It is by honing the artists’ skills and creating platforms such as this, that we can ignite the creative economy on the African continent,

Dr. Paul Bayliss

Engage with the ‘Remnant’ exhibition at the
from 26 August until 31 December 2021.