The Power of an Iconic Image: Sethembile Msezane’s Chapungu and the Rhodes Must Fall Movement
Introduction:
The power of a photograph lies in its ability to capture moments, tell stories, and ignite change. Sethembile Msezane’s Chapungu image is one such powerful photograph that has etched its place in history, chronicling the spirit of the Rhodes Must Fall movement and its demand for social justice.
Nine years ago, Msezane, a Master’s degree candidate in Fine Arts at the University of Cape Town, took a stand on top of a plinth. She wore a black body suit and stiletto heels, her arms adorned with wings she had crafted out of wood, velvet, and hair. Behind her, a statue of a man was being lifted in the air. This iconic image, which has come to symbolize the historic day of the removal of 19th-century colonist Cecil Rhodes’ statue, marked a turning point in South African history.
Background:
The Rhodes Must Fall movement was sparked by students who sought to challenge the legacy of colonialism and its symbols, including the statue of Cecil Rhodes. Msezane’s performance on that day was born out of a recurring dream she had during this period, in which she embodied the sacred Zimbabwean bateleur eagle named Chapungu. This mythological bird holds great spiritual value for the people of Zimbabwe as a symbol of their hopes and aspirations.
The History of Chapungu:
Chapungu, one of eight soapstone statues of the bird, was given to Cecil Rhodes in the 1800s. While several have been returned, it remains at his former home at Groote Shuur estate in Cape Town. There have been political calls for her return to Zimbabwe, but this has yet to be achieved due to various reasons. The belief is that until she returns home, there will be social unrest in Zimbabwe.
Symbolism and Impact:
Msezane’s performance as Chapungu atop the plinth during Rhodes’ statue removal marked a pivotal moment in South African history. The image serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing one’s heritage and reclaiming symbolic spaces. It has also inspired Msezane to explore other ways of using her art as a tool for change, such as by donating profits from the sales of her work to charitable causes.
The Artistic Journey:
Msezane’s journey into art was not a planned one; it was a calling that she answered with passion and dedication. Her experiences at the University of Cape Town, where she felt the curriculum lacked representation of African histories and perspectives, only fueled her determination to reclaim those narratives through her art.
Msezane’s Artistic Inspirations:
From a young age, Msezane was a creative at heart, expressing herself through poetry, drawings, and dress. However, she did not anticipate becoming an artist. With encouragement from her aunt, she pursued a degree in fine arts at the University of Cape Town. Her experiences there were frustrating due to its Eurocentric focus on art.
Performance Art:
Msezane’s Public Holidays performance art series marked her attempt to re-insert black women’s histories into the narrative of Cape Town. By staging performances on political public holidays in relation to colonial, male, contact statues, she aimed to challenge the dominant narratives and reclaim space for underrepresented stories.
The Legacy of Sethembile Msezane’s Chapungu:
Today, Msezane’s image continues to inspire and captivate audiences. Suspended from a ceiling in a south London gallery, the Chapungu image commands attention and invites visitors to contemplate its meaning and significance in the context of social justice and reclaiming symbolic spaces.
Conclusion:
Sethembile Msezane’s Chapungu image is a powerful testament to the transformative power of art and its ability to inspire change. By embodying the sacred Zimbabwean bateleur eagle, Msezane reclaimed a symbolic space and ignited conversations about colonial legacies and the need for social justice. Her art continues to inspire and challenge viewers, reminding us of the importance of recognizing and reclaiming our histories.
