...Join Freya Willemoes-Wissing in Shaking Up South Africa’s Marriage Norms—Catch It Before 21 November!

Acclaimed artist Freya Willemoes-Wissing’s exhibition Love Unbound has sparked immense public interest and continues to inspire important conversations in Cape Town. Open through November 21, this fearless exhibition challenges South Africa’s traditional marital structures by advocating for polyandry—a topic that rarely takes center stage in public discourse.

The support for Love Unbound has been incredible, as evidenced by a powerful rally recently hosted outside the AVA Gallery, titled "Our Daughter's Futures for Equal Rights." This event united activists, art enthusiasts, and advocates for marriage equality, featuring a spirited march and an engaging panel discussion exploring themes of love, law, freedom, equality, tradition, and marriage rights in South Africa. The gathering highlighted Love Unbound's impact beyond the gallery, establishing it as a rallying point for urgent social change

To broaden awareness and engagement, Freya has hosted curated events at AVA Gallery, including a recent Q&A with Mark Oppenheimer. A leading constitutional law advocate, Oppenheimer captivated attendees with his insights on human rights, shifting the dialogue beyond art to the societal changes needed for true equality. His session highlighted the systemic barriers women face in seeking relationship equality, underscoring the cultural shifts still needed in South Africa.

The exhibition continues to capture the attention of influential industry leaders, with celebrated cultural theorist and academic Ashraf Jamal set to lead an exclusive walkabout and review of Love Unbound on November 9. Renowned for his sharp critiques of contemporary South African art, Jamal’s influential works, In the World: Essays on Contemporary South African Art and Strange Cargo, have established him as one of the country’s leading cultural thinkers. His upcoming review promises to provide fresh, thought-provoking insights into Freya’s bold and provocative work.

Freya’s thought-provoking installations highlight the strength and resilience of polyandrous families, challenging audiences to reconsider entrenched beliefs. The exhibition’s opening night included a staged multi-participant wedding ceremony, designed to confront societal norms and provoke reflection on love, identity, and gender roles. At the heart of Love Unbound is a critique of South Africa’s marital laws, which permit men to have multiple wives (polygyny) while denying women the equivalent right to have multiple husbands (polyandry). This disparity exposes deep-rooted patriarchal values, and Freya’s work advocates for a more inclusive understanding of relationships.

Visit Love Unbound and experience this unapologetic exploration of gender, equality, and the freedom to define love on one’s own terms. Freya is back, and she's ready to make a lasting impact.


EVENT DETAILS

Exhibition Title: Love Unbound
Artist: Freya Willemoes-Wissing
Venue: AVA Gallery – Long Gallery
Address: 35 Church St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
Exhibition Dates: October 10 to November 21, 2024