Free From Falling

Rene Mathibe’s piece draws inspiration from Shirley Chisholm’s powerful words, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." As a queer black woman in South Africa, the struggle for visibility and acceptance often feels like an act of courage. Through this work, she explore the tension between the desire to be seen and the instinct to hide in a world that may not fully accept you.

The silhouette in the image is both present and obscured, symbolizing the complex journey of self-discovery and acceptance. The text overlay, taken from a newspaper and boldly declaring, "There IS Good News Everywhere," plays on the irony that we rarely encounter good news in the media. It serves as a reminder that even in spaces where negativity and judgment seem to prevail, there is room for optimism and self-expression.

This work is her way of bringing her own chair to the table, asserting her right to be seen and heard. It’s also an invitation for viewers to reflect on their experiences and on the strength it takes to be visible in a world that might not always be ready to embrace you as you are.