
Renowned South African Artist Reunited with Lost Artworks After 32 Years
May 15, 2024 World
Johannesburg, South Africa - In a story filled with resilience and the power of artistic expression, a collection of paintings by celebrated South African artist Mmakgabo Helen Sebidi has finally returned home after mysteriously disappearing over three decades ago.
Sebidi, now 80 years old, received a life-changing phone call in May 2023. The news: a series of her artworks, missing since a 1991 exhibition in Sweden, had been rediscovered.
A Pivotal Exhibition and a Devastating Loss
The missing works belonged to Sebidi's powerful collection titled "Ntlo E Etsamayang (The Walking House)," created after a near-death experience. Filled with vibrant colors and expressive brushstrokes, the paintings reflected on her cultural heritage and the Black South African experience.
Sebidi had traveled to Nyköping, Sweden, in 1991 to showcase the collection. However, after the exhibition, the artworks vanished. Despite repeated inquiries, Sebidi was told they were lost or stolen.
A Caretaker's Discovery and a Long-Awaited Reunion
The story took an incredible turn in 2023 when a caretaker at the Swedish art school where Sebidi exhibited stumbled upon a package containing her artwork. These were the majority of the missing "Ntlo E Etsamayang" pieces.
An Emotional Homecoming and a Legacy Revealed
Curator Gabriel Baard traveled to Sweden to retrieve the artworks and bring them back to Sebidi. The reunion was a deeply emotional experience for both Sebidi and those witnessing it.
Artworks on Display for a New Generation
In April 2024, "Ntlo E Etsamayang (The Walking House)" was finally unveiled to the public at the University of Johannesburg Art Gallery. The exhibition offers a glimpse into Sebidi's artistic vision and her enduring connection to her cultural roots.
Looking to the Future
While a few pieces remain missing, Sebidi expresses immense joy at having the core collection back. She believes her work serves as a bridge between generations, urging the incorporation of indigenous knowledge systems into education.
This remarkable story highlights the enduring power of art and the unwavering spirit of an artist who never gave up hope of seeing her creations again.
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