Waiting for a Savior is a virtual exhibition that brings together Zambian artists, in exploring subjects around culture, spirituality, life, nature and issues concerning climate change. Zambia has been experiencing adverse effects of climate change which include an increase in frequency and severity of seasonal droughts, occasional dry spells, and increased temperatures in valleys, flash floods and changes in the growing season which has affected the livelihoods of many people. The show aims to raise awareness on being conscious about oneself, our culture and the environment. It encourages adaptable minds to be intentional, self-sustainable and not wait to be saved by an unknown savior. The inspiration for these thoughts comes from a text in Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, which reads: “Nothing happens. Nobody comes, nobody goes. It's awful”. The exhibition informs people on the possibilities of bringing about positive change in their livelihoods by embracing human co-existence and taking care of the environment for sustainable development. The goal is to embrace our cultural heritage, identity and provide a platform for viewers to engage with the body of works exclusively. "Waiting" is defined as the action of staying where one is or delaying action until a particular time or event. “Savior” is referred to a person who saves someone or something from danger or difficulty and in religion it means the all mighty. The exhibition seeks to enlighten the audience that no one is coming to save us except ourselves, it encourages us to work on the now. The exhibition suggests how the culturally rooted approaches which are the local and indigenous knowledge, combined with scientific systems, reflect on the diverse contextual factors that shape communities and their response to climate change. Edith Sampa Chiliboy’s reflections allow the viewer to appreciate the beauty around them and be able to connect to the environment. The selected artworks depict abstract illustrations and figures displayed as paintings and photographs.
FEATURED ARTISTS
NG'ONGA SILPUYA
Ng’onga Silpuya (b 1996) is a cultural producer, arts administrator and curator form Lusaka, Zambia. She has 5 years' experience working in Cultural institutions and managing gallery spaces in Zambia. These major institutions include; Zambia National Visual Arts Council which houses the Henry Tayali Arts Centre and Gallery, the Lechwe Trust Art Gallery and the Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre where she currently works as an Arts Administrator and Assistant Curator. Ng’onga holds a Bachelor’s Education Degree in Cultural studies and English Language from the University of Zambia and is currently pursuing her Masters in Curatorial Practice from the University of Bergen in Norway. Ng’onga is an educator who is interested in using art as a tool of raising awareness on environmental, cultural and social issues. Her research interests lie in exploring ways that young artists, communities and institutions are engaging with the legacy of the past. She associates her work with narratives, prejudices, superstitious practices, natural phenomena and physical constructions connected with various ethnic groups in Zambia and across the globe. Her curatorial perspective is informed by theories of mediation, cultural studies, visual studies and art history. Her current curatorial projects include; “Roots” a research project focused on documenting, archiving and preservation of cultural heritage sites and practices. She is the assistant Curator of “Retracing Dutch and British colonial histories in Zambia and Southern Africa” a solo exhibition by renowned guest artist Sithabile Mlosthwa currently in Residency at the Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre.
Edith Sampa Chiliboy, Reflections, 2024, Photographic Print, 42 x 59.2cm, R17,000.00 ex. VAT
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