The BAT Centre’s Menzi Mcunu Gallery is hosting the exhibition Our Heritage Our Image. This is a widely varied exhibition of sculptures, paintings and photographs by artists from KZN and aims to promote the heritage of KZN’s rich diverse cultural backgrounds. The exhibition runs until October 19 and it’s well worth a visit.

One of the most striking works is a large oil by Trevor Makhoba dealing with initiation ceremonies. This artist is always moved by the plight of the young and in this powerful work, he tackles this controversial subject by graphically showing the process of circumcision. On the one side of the main action are youngsters writhing on the ground trying to ease their pain, while on the other side are the waiting initiates, their faces covered in white clay with eyes wide, staring and terrified as they watch the process they are about to endure.

Another notable work is a print by rising young artist Ezequiel Mabote who is currently working as one in the BAT visual arts studio. It’s not the content of the print so much as the shape he has used. Instead of being a standard rectangle, he has created a print that provides its own framework.