By Annemarie Reinet le Roux, Tran Diem Quynh and Zuzanna Bakalarz
On July 24th, 2024, we had the chance to explore the amazing Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria, also known as Javett-UP. This vibrant place came to life thanks to a collaboration between the University of Pretoria and the Javett Foundation. Both organizations share a strong belief in the power of art to inspire and liberate, which is why they focus on a variety of creative and educational projects.
The University of Pretoria, as the official custodian, plays an important role in preserving and studying these artifacts, making this a main part of both academic research and public education. Javett-UP is more than just an art gallery; it’s a celebration of African creativity, showcasing not only the rich history of the continent’s artistic achievements but also its hopes and dreams for the future. It acts like a bridge, connecting the academic world to everyday society. A key part of Javett-UP’s mission is to engage in discussions about decolonization, essentially, how to address modern challenges while reflecting on the past and considering what lies ahead. The centre brings together writers, scholars, advocates, historians, and artists to dive deep into these important conversations.
The main exhibition at the centre currently is National Treasures: The Mapungubwe Gold Collection, an extraordinary display of ancient African craftsmanship, highlighting the sophistication and cultural richness of the Mapungubwe kingdom, which thrived from around 1075 to 1220 AD. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, unearthed in 1933 on the summit of Mapungubwe Hill which is considered one of the earliest examples of social complexity and state formation in southern Africa. The Gold of Africa exhibit was especially insightful and inspiring, with stunning pieces of history being shown and preserved.
The two golden Rhinos – the most iconic pieces in the collection – are symbols of leadership and power, and hold a very special place in the hearts of everyone. There were many displays of the Mapungubwe people’s advanced metallurgical skills which is expressed through artifacts such as gold beads, intricate gold foil fragments, and ceremonial objects. Declared a national heritage collection in 1997, the Mapungubwe Gold Collection is not only a treasure trove of ancient art but also a valuable educational resource.
The powerful energy of the African art in the centre is an immediate reality. The sculptures and paintings depicting various African communities are eye-catching and vibrant. Thanks to the insightful guide, we were able to peel back the layers of meaning in the art, gaining insights that made the experience even richer.
“The AngloGold Ashanti Barbier-Mueller Gold of Africa Collection,” started back in 1922 when a Swiss art collector named Joseph Mueller began gathering African art over fifty years. His daughter, Monique, and her husband, Jean-Paul Barbier, kept the passion alive by establishing the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva, which is famous around the world for its diverse collections. The golden artifacts in this collection showcase the incredible skills of African goldsmiths, telling stories that have been passed down through generations a testament to thousands of years of artistry.
Combining the multicultural perspectives of Poland, Vietnam and South Africa, we were astounded to see that this art centre was so much more than a physical building – it connected the past of South Africa and Africa as a whole to the present of the students in order to shape the future of multicultural relations and stewardship.
South Africa has always been rich with history and culture and sometimes this is taken for granted. Unity is diversity truly has a place in this exhibition with a variety of local artists showing off and asking deeper questions. It was such an amazing experience and such a privilege to explore local history, art and cultural heritage. The Javett Art Centre left us all with a colour of emotions and historical cultural insights about South Africa, especially its journey to democracy through the collection “We, The Purple”. The Artworks have helped grasp past stories and their impact on the present – A source of inspiration for continuous pursuit for a just and equitable society.
Our visit to the museum opened our eyes to the incredible complexity and diversity of African art and history. Each gallery offered fresh perspectives, from traditional goldsmithing techniques to pressing contemporary social issues. The exhibitions prompted us to reflect on Africa’s past, present, and future, highlighting its rich cultural heritage and the ongoing challenges it faces. At Javett-UP, we didn’t just encounter stunning artworks; we also witnessed how art can ignite social change. This is a place that invites conversation and contemplation about how history continues to influence our present lives.
