September 3 – 9 @ artSPACE Durban
Venue: artSPACE Durban
Dates: 03/09/2016 to 09/09/2016
Times: 11h00
“Ingelosi Ye Nyama” – Angels of Meat
by Michelle Luffingham
The show is a documentary view how our meat comes to the table.
In the good old days, meat was meat. Real honest to goodness sustenance – what you saw was what you got. It matured naturally and tasted wholesome. We have been enthusiastic meat eaters for approximately the last 200 000 years with incisors for tearing meat and molars for grinding it.
Only in approximately the last 10 000 years has there been a diet shift with the cultivation of grains and legumes. This has introduced the modern trend with a changeover to vegetarianism and veganism amongst some consumers.
Although meat is a popular food source in South Africa, it has recently lost credibility due to mass production, GMO feed, injection of antibiotics/hormones and pumping. Not to mention, the donkey meat debate and the questioning of free range labeling.
As much as consumers drive markets, they need to be careful, however, of banding about the buzz words – organic, anti-biotic free and hormone-free. They often do not understand the value of certain modern agricultural practices nor the pressures of an every increasing population, and a decrease in agricultural land. Some farmers say that farmers will always be exploited – no matter what methods they use.
So, every industry has its story from production to the end product.
This exhibition aims to focus on a small but vital segment of that process.
It is a tribute to the meat conductors who offload these heavy weights in large volumes.
The physical strength needed to lift an entire carcass, or primal; be it a baconer (+/-65-85kg), a beef forequarter (+/-50-60kg) or hindquarter (+/50-60kg) is huge. These men and even women, may lift their own body weight and more, in fast succession, over 2-3 hours depending on the delivery. It requires a certain type of stamina and spirit.
Sounds like “shova” (push), “phakamisa” (lift), “bamba”(hold), “twala” (carry) abound.
Very few people I know would be able to keep calm and carry on.
There is a definite rhythm and a sense of “ubuntu” as they breathe, lift, breathe, carry, breathe and pass on these mighty beasts. It is quite amazing to watch.
It is a physical task, so obviously vital in the chain, with very little recognition.
I tell them they are the “ingelosi ye nyama” – the angels of meat.
To me they are the bringers of protein, iron, zinc, B-vitamins and deliciousness!
For the first time they begin to smile, and swell with pride.
Having been in the industry for 7 years, I have often times experienced the flippant commentary and ignorance of retailers and consumers, who have no clue as to the background dynamics of getting their “steak to their plate”.
This is a tribute to those who do. To their strength, and their fortitude, and their guts.
Artist Statement
Where most people were instilled with a code of ethics and direction for life through a religion of some sort, I was taught from a very early age that I came from the stars – that I am made of “star stuff”. Under the heavens, I learned not what the names of the different constellations are, and their relevance to my birth, but of the Universe’s innate mystery and humanities insignificance in the big scheme of things …
I was taught the deepest respect for Science in its ceaseless pursuit to unlock the secrets underpinning reality. I see Art and Science as closely linked. There is a science behind all creative skills, and a poetry in seeking the truth through knowledge. I believe we are all artists by birth into this incredible Universe. It is our duty to use our senses creatively, to listen, learn, to grow and to teach.
I am inspired by everything – the good, the bad and the ugly. Perhaps my biggest source of creative input would be the road. My travels have taken me briefly to Africa (Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Egypt) the USA, Australia, Papau New Guinea and Russia; and for longer periods to Europe, but especially Asia where I lived, worked and travelled for over 5 years. (Japan, South Korea, China, Mongolia, Laos, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and India). Solo journeying is tremendously stimulating for the senses. However every normal day anywhere in the world is also a journey of exploration for me. Seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Add to that monkey ropes, caffeine, power tools, African grasses, sweetcorn creamy style, serotonin, miracle whip, tricksters, prime junk, culture shock, rock ‘n roll.
What is important to me is not the institutionalised success of society. It is rather the ability to co-exist where I am with absolute wonder and curiosity of simply everything, and with a deep sense of humility and respect for the building blocks of this thing called life!
My proudest achievements have been simply moments lived in the now. Moments in total celebration of the senses. Content in myself, I have touched on the beauty and vibrancy, the diversity and the vastness, the splendour, the silence, and the simplicity of existence.
If you require any more information or would like to interview the artist please let us know.
Venue Details & Map
artSPACE Durban
Physical Address: 3 Millar Road, DurbanTelephone: +27(0)313120793 Website: http://www.artspace-durban.com Directions: - Latitude: -29.830632 Longitude: 31.025483