In this new series the artist, Lindo Zwane, investigates the gaze on informal traders, particularly, the working women of Kwa Mai Mai. The artist chooses to focus his attention on how these women navigate cooking on open fires, defying what is traditionally a man's job, to provide for their families in an urban environment where they are publicly scrutinised and simultaneously the subjects of a desensitized type of slum tourism.

With his heavy use of charcoal the artist aims to create a visual archive of the inner workings of Kwa Mai Mai. His focus is not from the perspective of a visitor's experience, but that of a migrant worker, far from home - toiling away in what was once a horse stable in the 1800's. Smothered by smoke, only to be seen by customers but remain unseen by their distant loved ones, they carry the remorse of not having a regular job in oversized aluminium pots and yet serve their customers with pride. Who are these women who masterfully turn their faces every time someone tries to take a picture for social media vibes and what are their stories?

The exhibition titled, INSTIZI YE BHODWE translates to "The pain of the pot" and refers to the residue left on steel pots after being used over open fires. Lindo Zwane has created a series of charcoal drawings that serve as a visual archive of the women who work at Kwa Mai Mai. Through frequent visits and trust built over year of engagement, the artist pays homage to their way of life, which also holds personal significance to him.

Using charcoal against canvas, Lindo portrays the contrasting realities the women face in their working environment. He protects their identities by depicting scenes where thick smoke covers their faces. By including fire, wood, and steel pots in his drawings, he emphasizes how basic household items are used to generate an income in the market. The exhibition comments on social and economic issues like dark tourism, displacement, informal trading and women-led households. The exhibition is a heartfelt tribute to the women who support their families by selling food in the city. It acknowledges their sacrifices and all that remains unknown about them to their customers. It celebrates their dedication to their trade and their resilience in finding success in Johannesburg, known as the city of gold.

This activity is FREE. No booking is required. You just need your Contra.Joburg ticket.