Athi-Patra Ruga: Of Gods, Rainbows and Omissions, Exhibition, Somerset House, London: 4 October 2018-7 January 2019

This is archived material. It is for reference purposes only.

Learn about the post-apartheid regime by delving into the colourful, surreal and utopian world of South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga. This free exhibition at Somerset House is the first major solo show of the artist’s multi-disciplinary work in the UK.

Somerset House is giving you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant, fantastical and utopian world of renowned South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga. For the first time ever, three recent collections of the artist’s work are  united in one space in his first major solo exhibition in the UK. It allows you  to see the true diversity of Ruga’s skill as the display ranges from his drawings and sculptures to film and photography. One of the anticipated highlights of the show will be Patra-Ruga’s unique and beautiful petit-point tapestry work, along with other new and rare pieces.  

Let these diverse works transport you to the post-apartheid political world. The apartheid regime, which began in 1948 in South Africa, was an era of racial segregation. The election of Nelson Mandela in 1994 is believed to mark the end of this government and the start of the movement towards equality. This is reflected in Ruga’s work as he often depicts sexuality, HIV/AIDS, homosexuality, African culture and an optimistic humanistic future.

This exhibition is also part of The Charles Russell Speechlys Terrace Rooms Series at Somerset House, which means it is absolutely free.  

Somerset House:

Embankment Galleries, South Wing, Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA

Opening Times:

Monday, Tuesday, Saturday & Sundays 10.00-18.00

Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 11.00-20.00

Athi-Patra Ruga: Night of the Long Knives I, 2013, © Athi-Patra Ruga and WHATIFTHEWORLD
Athi-Patra Ruga: Night of the Long Knives I, 2013, © Athi-Patra Ruga and WHATIFTHEWORLD
Athi-Patra Ruga: Miss Azania 2019, 2015, © Athi-Patra Ruga and WHATIFTHEWORLD
Athi-Patra Ruga: Miss Azania 2019, 2015, © Athi-Patra Ruga and WHATIFTHEWORLD
Athi-Patra Ruga: Convention…Procession…Elevation, 2013, © Athi-Patra Ruga and WHATIFTHEWORLD
Athi-Patra Ruga: Convention…Procession…Elevation, 2013, © Athi-Patra Ruga and WHATIFTHEWORLD
Athi-Patra Ruga: Over the Rainbow (Queens in Exile Series) Video Still II, © Athi-Patra Ruga and WHATIFTHEWORLD
Athi-Patra Ruga: Over the Rainbow (Queens in Exile Series) Video Still II, © Athi-Patra Ruga and WHATIFTHEWORLD

Opening Hours

Monday:
08:00 - 23:00
Tuesday:
08:00 - 23:00
Wednesday:
08:00 - 23:00
Thursday:
08:00 - 23:00
Friday:
08:00 - 23:00
Saturday:
08:00 - 23:00
Sunday:
08:00 - 23:00