Last Wednesday marked the opening of the Rose Art Museum's newest exhibit, "Coexistence: Contemporary Cultural Production in South Africa." The exhibit, which took three years to compile, features works by South African artists, who explore the social and economic changes after the end of apartheid in 1990. "Coexistence" has come to the Rose due to the efforts of Pam Allara (FA), Marilyn Martin, the art division director at the Iziko Museums of Cape Town and Zola Mtshiza of the South African National Gallery. "It was a fun project to do," Professor Allara commented. "This exhibit tells about a history that never gets put into the books."

Around 300 people showed up to the gala opening to admire the works, which examine poverty, AIDS and racial identity through diverse mediums. Exhibit-goers sipped South African wines and munched on crackers and vegetables while enjoying the art and West African musical styling of percussionist Eric Holden.

Thembinkosi Goniwe, the photographer of the work, "Untitled, From Returning Gaze," was present for the opening of the exhibit. The highlight of the evening was a lecture given by Martin, who discussed the crucial role of art in exploring social transformation and cultural identity.

Reactions to the new exhibit were extremely positive from students, faculty, community members and art administrators alike. Josh Russell '06 called the show "both enlightening and inspiring. The art work is some of the most powerful I've ever seen."

Holden raved that the exhibit opens the viewers' eyes to different experiences, lifestyles and feelings that are so different from their own. "Coexistence" certainly is a must-see exhibit. As it was put by Goniwe, it truly showcases the power of art as a method of communication to help bridge historical gaps and overcome cultural differences.

"Coexistence: Contemporary Cultural Production in South Africa" will be on display at the Rose Art Museum until June 29.