South Africa – SCOPE

The many incarnations of Mary Sibande

One of South Africa’s most important new artists raises difficult questions about colour, womanhood, and the nature of freedom. As another banner year for Mary Sibande ends, Lisa Meekison looks back on her development and on the many meanings of her work.

Ups and downs, louds and softs

At the forefront of South Africa’s emerging psychedelic rock movement marches The Very Wicked, a band that wants rock and roll to recapture its sense of story — and even, dare we say it, subtlety. And as a driving force behind Cape Town’s monthly “Psych Nights”, they’re bringing a lot of other bands along for the journey.