“When We Dare to be Powerful”*:

An Exhibition of Palesa Ndlovukazi Sibiya’s Short Films, curated by Thuli Mlambo-James

*This is a reference to Audre Lorde’s words: “When I dare to be powerful — to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” — Audre Lorde, Second Sex Conference, New York, 1979.

Part of Sellerie Weekend, the off-program of Gallery Weekend Berlin, 28. – 30. April 2023.

Opening hours of exhibition: Friday 28 April : 19:00 – 22:00 (opening) // Saturday 29 April: 13:00 – 18:00 // Sunday 30 April: CLOSED.

Registration not required – All are welcome!

Palesa Ndlovukazi Sibiya’s work examines constructions of race, language, desire, sexuality and identity – particularly that of black female subjectivity – as shaped by her experience in South Africa. Her work challenges audiences not merely to observe Black women’s struggles, but to feel them. As a performance artist, Palesa centered the voices and lived experiences of Black women in South Africa, openly speaking about, confronting and challenging the abuse and oppression of heteropatriarchy and gendered violence. Her work sought to destablise and reshape conventional understandings about gender, race and sexuality within South Africa’s larger socio-political context.

Video works by Palesa Ndlovukazi Sibiya:

1) Rape Is No Taboo (I will Not Be Silenced & Suffer Alone in Isolation), 14:39 min, 2017

2) Inkomo : short film, 6:50 min, 2020

3) iNKOMO YAMI??? 4:53 min, 2020

4) Broken SOLES – Broken SOULS (Part 1) 4:16 min, 2017

5) Broken SOLES – Broken SOULS (Part 2) 17:02 min, 2017

This selection of Palesa Ndlovukazi Sibiya’s work is presented in memory of the artist. It is curated by Thuli Mlambo-James, Director & Founder – Ujamaa Arts (www.ujamaaarts.co.za) in collaboration with Mental Health Arts Space Berlin (www.mhasberlin.com) as part of Sellerie Weekend, the off-program of Gallery Weekend Berlin, 28. – 30. April 2023.