The exhibition forms part of the Commission’s innovative ways to foster discussions around human rights and offer an opportunity for the country to reflect on the status of human rights as part of celebrating human rights month, and 20 years of freedom.

While there is often a strong association between human rights and the law, Amartya Sen argues convincingly that, “The implementation of human rights can go well beyond the implementation of legislation, and a theory of human rights cannot be sensibly confined within the juridical model in which it is frequently incarcerated.”

In order to give full expression to the notion of human rights, it is therefore imperative that we consider the rights discourse from philosophical, anthropological and artistic perspectives amongst others.

This exhibition allows us to reconsider our assumptions about human rights through an artistic lens.  It provides us an opportunity to reimagine our understanding of the rights discourse and ultimately, to reflect on how we engage with our human rights.

More about the artist

Philippe Bousquet is a qualified architect who transitioned into the world of art and design in 1997. Affiliated to the Southern Guild, he has exhibited with them at the Johannesburg Art Fair, the Everhard Read Gallery, and the Foundry in Cape Town, MOAD and Design Days Dubai. He has exhibited his work at the Design Indaba, the FWD Show, the 157 Gallery and the Bell Roberts Gallery. His up cycled lights have been sold in Anthropologie stores across the United States.

Philippe’s art work asks people to look both inwards and outwards.  To consider where our everyday thoughts and actions are taking us, as individuals, as a country and as a world.  Also to ask ourselves, and those around us, is this really where we want to go? If the answer is no, then what vision appears to our minds?

His artwork seeks to stimulate public dialogue.  It encourages people to raise their voices, to speak about what matters, as change is not someone else’s responsibility, but our own. While we need to advocate for meaningful, systemic change, our everyday actions and choices have the power to either reproduce the world or create a new one.

The exhibition will be held as follows:

Public viewing dates: 10, 26 and 31 March 2014 from 11:00 to 14:00
Venue: 33 Hoofd Street, 4th floor, Braampark Offices, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Opening:
Date:  07th March 2014 from 11:00 to 14:00 on invitation only


THE MEDIA IS INVITED TO ATTEND THE OPENING, AS THERE WILL BE INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE ARTIST AND SAHRC OFFICIALS.

For more information please contact:

Wisani Baloyi

Internal Communications Officer

T: 011 877 3634/3627 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
C: 081 016 8308