A significant cultural dialogue unfolds at the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid, where Dumile Feni’s powerful work, *African Guernica* (1967), is currently displayed alongside Pablo Picasso’s renowned *Guernica*. This exhibition, part of the museum’s new series titled *History Doesn’t Repeat Itself, But It Does Rhyme*, seeks to interweave narratives from diverse cultural backgrounds, highlighting the stark realities of oppression and violence through the lens of art.
A Historic Placement
On the second floor of the museum, the juxtaposition of Feni’s piece with Picasso’s iconic mural creates a thought-provoking contrast. While *African Guernica* may be smaller in scale, its emotional weight is profound. Rendered in charcoal and pencil, the artwork presents a haunting tableau: a three-legged figure with a grotesque mask brandishes a stick, while a cow nurses its young, and shadowy forms loom ominously in the background. The imagery evokes a visceral response, as it encapsulates the anguish stemming from apartheid-era South Africa, a stark parallel to the devastation depicted in Picasso’s response to the Spanish Civil War.
The exhibition’s curator, Tamar Garb, emphasises the importance of recognising the unique contexts behind these two works. Picasso’s *Guernica* serves as a vehement protest against war, whereas Feni’s rendition critiques the insidious violence of racial tyranny. “It’s crucial to understand these differences,” Garb notes, underlining that both artists express their outrage through their respective historical lenses.
A New Perspective on African Art
The exhibition is part of a broader initiative led by the museum’s director, Manuel Segade, to recalibrate the narrative surrounding the history of art. Segade argues that, much like the historical marginalisation of women in art, African contributions have often been dismissed or reduced to stereotypes. By placing *African Guernica* prominently across from Picasso’s work, the museum aims to foster a more inclusive dialogue about the influences and intricacies of art from varied cultural spheres.
Feni’s *African Guernica* is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time this piece has been exhibited outside of South Africa. It is on loan from the University of Fort Hare, a significant institution in the history of South African education and resistance to apartheid. Feni, who passed away in New York in 1991, was largely self-taught but captivated by indigenous African artistic traditions. His exposure to Johannesburg’s vibrant cultural scene, despite the oppressive backdrop of apartheid, informed his artistic voice.
A Unique Artistic Voice
While Feni is often likened to Goya in his portrayal of suffering within the townships of Johannesburg, Garb asserts that he holds a distinctive position in 20th-century art. “Feni is a modern artist employing drawing techniques on a scale that was unprecedented at the time,” she explains, praising his ability to convey complex themes using simple materials like charcoal and conté crayon.
In addition to *African Guernica*, the exhibition features five other significant works by Feni, including the extensive scroll titled *You Wouldn’t Know God if He Spat in Your Eye* (1975) and the poignant *Hector Pieterson* (1987), which captures the tragic moment of a young victim of police violence during apartheid. These works encapsulate Feni’s commitment to exploring the depths of human suffering and resilience, making his contributions to the art world both profound and necessary.
Why it Matters
The display of Dumile Feni’s *African Guernica* in conjunction with Picasso’s masterpiece serves as a critical reminder of the power of art to address and reflect societal injustices. By showcasing these works side by side, the Reina Sofía Museum not only amplifies the voices of artists from historically marginalized backgrounds but also challenges viewers to reconsider the narratives that shape our understanding of art. This exhibition is not merely an artistic celebration; it is a call to acknowledge and confront the continuous cycle of violence and oppression that persists in various forms around the globe.