Notes

Sam Nhlengethwa is well known for his mixed media works in which he pays tribute to South African’s from all walks of life. In 1996 he visited mines around South Africa and went on to produce images of the frequently forgotten miners whose lives are spent unearthing the mineral wealth of South Africa. The recent clash at Marikana elicited a deeply personal response from Nhlengethwa:

”When I did this painting, I was touched and disturbed by the multitude of images of dead bodies – it took me back to the Sharpeville massacre, ’76 June riots, the multitude of clashes during the early 90s. I was touched by the miners and other employees who were voiceless and in pain during this time. They wanted to return to work for their families but remained unable to do so.”