Cape Town - Renowned visual and performing artist Freya Willemoes-Wissing is back after over ten years with her latest exhibition titled which highlights feminism and polyandry.
Through her compelling work, Willemoes-Wissing tackles the disparity between the legal recognition of polygyny and the absence of polyandry, igniting a crucial conversation on the need for reform in how marriage is perceived.
Willemoes-Wissing, who claims to have been born with a paintbrush in her hand, describes her exhibition as a thought-provoking dialogue on love, relationships, and equality.
She presents as a challenge to South Africa’s traditional marital norms.
“The message I would like to get across is to make people wake up to the feeling that a woman has been suppressed in the past, but things are changing.
“I think feminism started in a very good place, but I think it has been taken too far, and women have been forced to prove themselves and their self-worth through a patriarchal society,” Willemoes-Wissing stated.
She further elaborated: “I think women are trying to be like men, but the most important part is that women should value themselves more and understand that we are different.
“Man and women will never be equal. Until the day a man can fall pregnant, have their period, and be expected to pay less for the same job while doing it wearing make-up and then come home and do house chores.”
The inspiration for this art exhibition is drawn from former president Jacob Zuma and his multiple wives.
“When Zuma was our president, it came to me that in the constitutional law it says that we have equal rights, but he has the right to marry six wives.
“I thought, where are my constitutional rights to marry six men? The same way it is so accepting for men to have various women, what is the problem with a woman who has multiple men?”
Willemoes-Wissing aims for her exhibition to leave visitors with a question mark. “We have roles to play in society, and I think we must embrace our differences and be more accepting towards each other.”
The opening of the exhibition took place on Thursday evening at the AVA Gallery – Long Gallery in Church Street, where guests witnessed a unique staged multi-participant wedding ceremony that challenged conventional views on love and identity.
Willemoes-Wissing has been contemplating this art exhibition for years and described her opening evening as a success.
“It was a huge success and a great turnout. I believe there were a few sales, so I can honestly say I am a force to be reckoned with and a collectible. I am very pleased.”
Willemoes-Wissing concluded: “Art is very beautiful and is the only pure form of expression because there is so much that can’t be said and is taboo or politically incorrect. As an artist, you are eccentric.
“There were even some tears and good feedback, which means a lot to me. I have done my job, and I am happy. I don’t expect everyone to love my art, but it will make you think.”
The exhibition will be available until 21 November at the AVA Gallery in Church Street.