Traditionally, art is viewed within the white-walled silence of a gallery. However, Modiši wa go botega unfolds within the textured, heavy history of a former prison. By presenting this work at Constitution Hill, we allow space, history, and material to speak in unison.

For Mashilo, the choice of venue is integral to the urgency of the work. Once a place of confinement, the Women’s Jail now stands as a symbol of the very constitutional rights and freedom of expression that the Creative Uprising seeks to protect.

“This space gives the work permission to speak honestly,” says Mashilo. “It allows these narratives to be tested against the histories that live in these walls. ”The title, Modiši wa go botega, is a Sepedi phrase describing a reliable shepherd or a good steward. Rooted in his upbringing in rural Limpopo, Mashilo uses the figure of the shepherd to interrogate the erosion of ethical leadership and the legacies of land dispossession and migration. In a time where our global and local communities grapple with questions of responsibility, Mashilo’s work asks: What happens in the absence of care? 

Through a masterful use of bronze, painting, and collage, he explores the "fragile architecture of belonging"—a theme that resonates deeply with our mission at the Hill to build a society rooted in dignity and equality.

As the home of the Creative Uprising Hub, Constitution Hill is more than a backdrop for this exhibition; they are a collaborator in a movement to provide a sustainable platform for the creative sector. This exhibition is made possible through a unique partnership between Setlamorago Mashilo Studio, BrownEyedBoy Art, and Mohau Capital—a testament to the power of inclusive venture building and artistic patronage in Africa.

By fostering these collaborations, the Hub ensures that artists like Mashilo have the "sanctuary" they need to interrogate global conversations through a local lens, proving that land, movement, and identity are the vital currencies of our time.

Join the Uprising

We invite you to join us for the opening of Modiši wa go botega and experience a narrative that is tactile, grounded, and quietly confrontational.

📅 Opening Date: 12 February 2026

🕕 Time: 18h00 – 21h00

📍 Location: The Women’s Jail, Constitution Hill

Let us gather at the intersection of heritage and innovation, where the shepherd’s call reminds us all of our shared responsibility to be stewards of our democracy.

For further information and interviews please contact emma@narrativepr.co.za