Dineo Seshee Bopape: Born in the first light of the morning

The work of Dineo Seshee Bopape is characterised by the use of organic and highly symbolic materials that refer to concepts of memory, identity and belonging. Earth is one of the most recognisable elements of her language, which mixed and worked with other substances such as coal, ash, clay, gives life to environmental installations. Starting from her own experience linked to her country of origin, South Africa, Seshee Bopape weaves narratives that investigate archetypes and mythologies in which the female figure assumes a central role. Combining digital and analogue aesthetics, her work incorporates different media – such as sculpture, drawing, video and sound – in a poetic approach that finds its origins in matter.
The exhibition “Born in the first light of the morning” at Pirelli HangarBicocca – the artist’s first solo show in an Italian institution – presents a large body of work and new productions by Seshee Bopape, placing the visitor within a rich constellation of historical references and different geographical contexts. The project explores themes and subjects central to the artist’s practice, ranging from the relationships between ritual, spirituality and nature, to reflections on traditional healing practices and forms of political resistance.