Liberated Voices: Contemporary Art from South Africa presents paintings, sculptures and installations created between 1994 and 1999.  This period coincides with Nelson Mandela's term as the first President of the new South Africa when nearly fifty years of Apartheid ended.  South Africa immediately showed its interest in contemporary art by organizing two international Johannesburg Biennales in 1995 and 1997.  South African artists had a strong presence at both events as well as in other Pan-African and International art shows.

Liberated Voices begins with an introductory section of four artists-Paul Stopforth, David Koloane, Sue Williamson, and Willie Bester-who were already active in the late 70's and 80's, while apartheid was in its most violent phase.  The works created during this period were often labeled Resistance Art, to protest against the oppressive white government.

The exhibition continues with the presentation of works made by nine artists, who express themselves in different ways and through a diverse range of media.  The incorporation of recycled materials is an important aspect of the works of several township painters and sculptors.  Their use of residual elements replaced the traditional materials such as paint and clay which initially were not available in township environments.  The presence of recycled materials reflects the impoverished conditions under which many township people have been living for half a century.  Therefore, the artists' choice of materials can also reinforce the realism of the subjects they depict.  For some artists, the use of recycled objects transcends their role as a medium to serve as a metaphor that conveys their ideas.

The artists' diverse racial, social, and economic backgrounds operate as major thematic sources.  Some artists hearken back to their roots, incorporating motifs and materials found in the daily life of their forefathers.  Traditional religious symbols, healing devices, and geometric signs that symbolize identities are all part of their visual language.

Another major theme is personal introspection.  It is strongly expressed by artists who grew up in the white suburban communities.  Their work reflects a reorientation within the new South Africa.  For these artists, art provides a vehicle for confrontations with personal histories as well as a source of understanding and reconciliation.

Organized by the Museum for African Art and presented September 17, 1999-January 2, 2000 at the Museum's 593 Broadway location, New York, New York.

Liberated Voices: Contemporary Art from South Africa toured the following venues: in 2000 at the Austin Museum of Art, Austin, Texas; in 2001-02 at the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts at Stanford University, Stanford, California; and in 2002 at the University of Arizona Museum of Art, Tucson, Arizona.