Bag Factory | Brahmacarya

Bag Factory is pleased to present Brahmacarya, a solo exhibition by by Daneel Thumbiran and Curated by Abongile Matintela, as part of the 2025 Young/Unframed Programme, a platform dedicated to fostering young creatives (a curator and an artist who are paired with each other), by providing support for experimentation and new artistic explorations.

Brahmacarya, - also the title of the exhibition - is rooted in the philosophy of the four ashramas in Hindu tradition, this exhibition draws inspiration from Brahmacarya, the first stage of life dedicated to learning and self-discipline. Spanning from childhood to young adulthood, this phase is a time of study—both secular and spiritual—where individuals cultivate focus, self-control, and a commitment to personal growth. It serves as a foundation for the stages that follow, preparing one for the responsibilities of family, society, and spiritual pursuit. Through this exhibition, the artist reflects on the essence of Brahmacarya as a formative period, exploring its relevance in shaping identity, discipline, and purpose.

In Brahmacarya, Thumbiran brings together a dynamic body of work, including large-scale wheat pasted mixed media pieces and elements from his art books. Wheat pasting as a medium is often associated with street art like grafitti, its application in this context is to deliberately merge public and fine art into a single space. Furthermore, the use of collage in this exhibition derives from an effort to visually explore and represent the complexities of the Hindu religion. This fusion enables multiple perspectives and interpretations to emerge simultaneously, reflecting how stories, avatars, and lived experiences defy singular representation particularly when tied to diasporic and South African Indian identities.

As a South African Indian artist, Daneel’s work navigates the intersections of culture, identity, and spirituality. Drawing from his experience as a descendant of Indian indentured labourers in South Africa, the artist explores themes of heritage, displacement, and belonging. His artistic practice is deeply connected to his faith (Hinduism) and the South African Indian experience, using these elements to challenge the way we perceive both the world and ourselves. While Daneel has not previously explored Brahmacarya in his personal life, this exhibition serves as his first artistic engagement with the concept, allowing him to question and visualize its relevance in today’s world.

This show runs from the 7th - 28th June 2025.