April 14, 2025
Minneapolis—The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is pleased to announce “Remnants,” an upcoming exhibition that examines the visible and invisible structures of apartheid through contemporary South African art. Drawn mostly from Mia’s collection, “Remnants” presents a compelling response to the concurrent exhibition “Ernest Cole: The True America,” offering insight into the lingering effects of apartheid on South African society.
Taking inspiration from the work of renowned photographer David Goldblatt, “Remnants” features 15 artworks—including photographs, prints, and a painting—that reflect the ways in which artists have confronted South Africa’s difficult histories. The exhibition traces artistic responses to apartheid’s oppressive policies and their end by a generation of artists who explore themes of race, identity, and decolonization.
“’Remnants’ brings together powerful voices from South Africa’s past and present, while offering an opportunity for visitors to reflect on difficult histories,” said Leslie Ureña, Associate Curator of Global Contemporary Art at Mia. “Through these artworks, we are reminded of the ways history continues to shape contemporary life.”
Among the artists featured in “Remnants” is William Kentridge, whose 1997 print Sleeper Red critically examines how white South Africans benefited from apartheid’s systemic inequities. Zanele Muholi, known for their striking work in portraiture, explores the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality, challenging historical perceptions of Black and queer identities. Cinga Samson’s evocative painting, Inyongo 2 (2020), prompts conversations on masculinity, spirituality, and the legacy of colonialism in contemporary South Africa.
The exhibition aligns with Mia’s commitment to presenting global perspectives and fostering cross-cultural understanding through art.
Mia Exhibition Details
- Exhibition Title: “Remnants”
- Dates: April 24–November 2, 2025
- Location: Perlman Gallery, Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Cost: Free
For more information on “Remnants” and other upcoming exhibitions, visit www.artsmia.org.
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About the Minneapolis Institute of Art
Home to more than 100,000 works of art representing 7,000 years of world history, the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) inspires wonder, spurs creativity, and nourishes the imagination. With extraordinary exhibitions and one of the finest art collections in the country—from all corners of the globe, from ancient to contemporary—Mia links the past to the present, enables global conversations, and offers an exceptional setting for inspiration. Learn more about Mia in our latest Impact Report.
General admission to Mia is always free, but some special exhibitions charge a nominal fee.
For more information, call + 1 612 870 3000 or visit www.artsmia.org. Everyone is welcome. Always.