Brünn Kramer

Brunn Kramer completed his Masters in Fine arts at Rhodes University in 2021 with the financial support of the National Research Foundation (NRF), SARChl research programme in Geopolitics and the Arts of Africa, and the Andrew W. Mellon and the Global Souths programme. He was born in 1994 and was raised in the karoo in a small town called Steytlerville. Kramer is an emerging artist who has participated in numerous group exhibitions all over South Africa, including the prestigious Turbine art fair. Brunn received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (cum laude) from Nelson Mandela University in 2017. He majored in painting and his watercolor portraits which explore the humanness of ex-prisoners were selected for Sasol New Signatures top 100 art competition in 2016 and 2017. His current research explores the intersection of personal experiences and identities, concerning depression.

ARTIST'S STATEMENT FOR LATEST WORKS 

'n Skoenedoos vol Herinneringe

In response to the forceful displacement of my ancestors in 1913, due to a land act designed to disenfranchise people of color, I present 'n Skoenedoos vol Herinneringe. Through this series, I aim to revive the heritage of my ancestors, highlighting the deep connections between family and land. The recent claims from the US asserting that South Africa has been expropriating land from white Afrikaner farmers underscores the ongoing complexities surrounding land ownership and historical injustices.

It is crucial to contextualize these claims within the legacy of the 1913 Land Act, which resulted in the forced removal of people of colour from their land. As noted by South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, “It’s about time that something was done to reverse that.” My work serves as a powerful response to both the historical injustices faced by my ancestors and the narratives surrounding current land expropriation efforts. By juxtaposing the past and present, I explore themes of belonging, identity, and resilience. Each piece serves as a testament to the enduring strength of familial bonds and the persistent struggle for justice and recognition.

The series of portraits consists of candle soot, burning and etching on superwood cutouts, incorporating satellite images of the land that my family is reclaiming alongside images of current locations where my family has resettled. This juxtaposition symbolizes the displacement and fragmentation experienced by my ancestors and its lasting impact on future generations. My work is not only a tribute to my ancestors but also a reflection on the broader impacts of displacement. It invites viewers to engage with the history embedded in these portraits, fostering a deeper understanding of the personal and collective significance of land and family. By drawing attention to these issues, the series seeks to spark conversations about justice, equity, and the long-lasting effects of historical injustices on contemporary society. I hope to create a space for reflection and dialogue, encouraging viewers to consider their own connections to family, heritage, and place, while also addressing the complex narratives that shape discussions on land within South Africa and beyond.