“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” - Nelson Mandela (8 May 1995)

We The Children is a solo art exhibition by visual artist Semi Lubisi - an expressive and colourful body of drawings and paintings, boldly revealing the playful, innocent and vulnerable nature of children and at the same time reminding us that children should be at the core of any society's priorities, being the future leaders of tomorrow. This is an important exhibition which draws our attention to issues that affect the wellbeing of children, especially during the challenging restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic, which have seen most children deprived of their basic right to quality education and access to a clean, safe and healthy environment.

As we conclude Mandela month, we reflect on one of the principles that our former statesman stood for, investing in the future of children. The Bill of Rights’ inclusion of the rights of the child was an important development for South African children, most of whom had suffered under apartheid for many years. Some had been detained without trial, tortured, and assaulted, many faced discriminations in healthcare, education, and other areas.

Children need special protection because they are among the most vulnerable members of society. 

Exhibition Details:

Launch date: 30 July 2020

Time: 12pm

Semi Lubisi is a self-taught artist from Ivory Park - Tembisa, currently working from Ellis House Art Studios in Johannesburg. He uses his art as a tool to communicate emotions of hope & happiness despite the surrounding circumstances. He draws inspiration from everyday experiences of ordinary South Africans, specifically township communities.

“My work is characterized by bright colours as I teach myself to see the brighter side of every situation especially during these Covid-19 times where all seem to be collapsing and everyone is exhausted and losing hope.  It is in times like these where we have to be optimistic and be appreciative of the little things that make us smile.” - Semi Lubisi. 

I use my art as a tool to communicate emotions of hope & happiness despite the surrounding circumstances. My inspiration is derived from the everyday experiences of the ordinary South Africans specifically the people in the townships. The children represent the freedom, the innocence, that inner child within each one of us that gives us the courage & inspiration to carry on & face our day to day challenges.

The School kids represent the fact that the youth are the most important group of our civilization.  So much can be achieved through inspiring them to fall in love with education and have the desire to learn & discover new things, for they are the future game changers in the making. It is through their passion, persistence & desire for education now that they will be able to one day make the world a better place to live in.

My work is characterized by bright colours as I teach myself to see the brighter side of every situation especially during these Covid-19 times where all seem to be collapsing and everyone is exhausted and losing hope.  It is in times like these where we must be optimistic and be appreciative of the little things that make us smile.

You can find out more about Semi's work on his socials:

Instagram: @Semi_sa

Facebook: Semi Lubisi & Semi Lubisi Arts 

Website: http://www.southafricanartists.com/home/SemiLubisi