The Number: An Exhibition of Tattoo Artwork by Manuela Gray

See a project that explores the symbolism and aesthetics of gang tattoos through art

According to French artist Henri Matisse, “Creativity takes courage,” and from Friday, 13 to Monday, 30 October 2017, the Southern Guild Gallery will showcase a controversial exhibition. The Number is a multimedia project by Manuela Gray, an internationally celebrated tattoo artist from SA whose work is not solely based on body art. Manuela’s beautiful designs also extend to other surfaces using different mediums.

The Number includes a film documentary about the personal histories, codes and body markings of members from the ”numbers” prison gangs that exist in South Africa. The exhibition also includes a book, prints and hand-stitched photographs. The tattoos these gang members flaunt symbolise their ranking, as opposed to being purely aesthetic, which is what drew Manuela to their body markings and stories in the first place. Her work is the result of meeting with and talking to some members of the “numbers” gang, who, she states, “let (her) into their world”. Manuela says that she feels, “indebted to the trust they have afforded (her) as an artist”.

Using the exhibition as a project of empowerment, Manuela hopes to raise funds and create awareness of the issues of gangs in the Cape Flats through The Number. Proceeds will go towards training and rehabilitation programmes for gang members.

The Southern Guild Gallery is one of Cape Town’s most prominent stages for modern South African artists. The creators it exhibits are often recognised both locally and abroad. If you want to stay up to speed with the design scene, this locale on tourist hot spot the V&A Waterfront is the place to go.

TICKETS TO THE 2017 EXHIBITION OF THE NUMBER TATTOO ARTWORK PROJECT BY MANUELA GRAY

Entry to this exhibition is free. The gallery is open from 9am until 6pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 2pm on Saturday and public holidays.

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the Southern Guild Gallery via email: southernguild@theguildgroup.co.za or on + 27 (0)21 461 2856.

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