Athi-Patra Ruga is one of the few artists working in South Africa today whose work has adopted the trope of myth as a contemporary response to the post-apartheid era. Ruga creates alternative identities and uses these avatars as a way to parody and critique the existing political and social status quo. Ruga’s artistic approach of creating myths and alternate realities is in some way an attempt to view the traumas of the last 200 years of colonial history from a place of detachment — at a farsighted distance where wounds can be contemplated outside of personalised grief and subjective defensiveness.
His latest solo show, ‘Interior/Exterior / Dramatis Personae‘, is on at Whatiftheworld.
Q > What’s your favourite ritual?
A > To wake up with the star iKhwezi: Venus. This star represents diligence to me and my family so it stuck. Next is a conversation with my ancestors on what/whom I intend to be of service to. This helps in fine tuning my sense of harmony with the earth and my fellow humans.
Q > How has trauma shaped or influenced you?
A > Apart from making me a master shapeshifter, it has taught me the nature of forgiveness . That it is spiritually valid to demand sincere redress from your assailant before handing out goodwill.
Q > The greatest challenge you’ve overcome?
A > Myself.
Q > How does where you live affect your work?
A > I live between rural Eastern Cape and “metropolitan” Cape Town. The movement between both locations always reminds me of the movements of the historical migrant worker. Also my double consciousness is reflected in the stories my avatars carry.
Q > Something few people know about you?
A > I’m a tataMkhulu and granddad to 2 beautiful boys, Qhama (Bloom) Lathithailitha (Here comes the sunbeam).
Q > What makes you angry?
A > Entitlement. Selfie “collectors” (those who collect selfies with artists instead of buying ACTUAL art by said artist.). And the patriarchy.
Q > In what period/location have you learnt the most?
A > Noughties Johannesburg taught me about self invention as a means of going deeper into yourself to reveal yourself. Also I learnt the power that comes in shrugging off the fear of my own greatness and vision.
Q > Your greatest source of satisfaction?
A > Knowing fully that with better stories and high craftsmanship one can start a journey towards facilitating dignity to the communities I belong in. Representation renders you part of the conversation and that is hella fulfilling.
Athi Patra-Ruga’s work has appeared at institutions such as the Louis Vuitton Foundation (Paris), SFMOMA (San Francisco), the Tate Modern (London) and the Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao). Recent projects include Ruga’s collaboration with Dior on designing two handbags for the fourth edition of the Lady Dior Art Bag. His works form part of private, public and museum collections in South Africa and elsewhere.