12 December, Lemonade Sale, Old Castle Brewery

The exhibition had been instigated by a third year Michaelis student. The initiative was to create a one night show so that art students might have a space to sell their work. She had been motivated to create this space by her frustration brought on by waitressing whist studying. She feels that art students can and ought to make money from their own craft.

Conversation

The drop-out rate of young girls in schools in the Eastern Cape became conspicuous. On investigation this seemed to correspond with the girls reaching puberty and the onset of their menstrual cycle. This apparently absurd connection on closer investigation revealed that due to poor (or non-existent) primary health/body education/awareness these young girls were traumatised by these first experiences and fell into shame.  They had not been exposed to sanitary towels, tampons (or other menstrual aid devices) or the basic changes of the body during puberty. This is compounded by undignified toilet facilities at the schools. The ablution facilities so poor and places where there have been incidences of rape, result in these girls leaving school never to complete their education. It’s shocking that students have to experience such inhuman conditions in order to gain an education.

Four corners

A USB was planted in THEEDUCATORSNEWCLOTHES suitcase! It’s in the shape of a chess piece and contents still remains to be explored. I will report back.