Renowned artist Freya Willemoes-Wissing is set to unveil her provocative new exhibition, Love Unbound, at the AVA Gallery – Long Gallery from 10 October to 10 December 2024. This bold, new exhibition promises to be a transformative event in the art world, challenging conventional norms and provoking meaningful discourse on societal beliefs surrounding relationships and marital structures.
Freya Willemoes-Wissing, born in Rio de Janeiro to a Danish father and a Brazilian mother, immigrated to South Africa in 1986. Her artistic vision has been deeply influenced by her extensive travels, during which she has immersed herself in the cultures, languages, arts, and music of over 60 countries. This global perspective, combined with her lifelong passion for painting, dancing, ballet, and singing, reflects the creative energy she has absorbed from her family’s rich artistic heritage. Freya’s work is celebrated internationally, with pieces featured in private collections across Los Angeles, New York, Denmark, Florida, Germany, Australia, and South Africa, underscoring her status as a globally acclaimed artist
Love Unbound marks Freya Willemoes-Wissing’s dramatic return to the art scene after a hiatus, presenting an audacious challenge to traditional beliefs about relationships. This exhibition, conceived over a decade ago, is a profound exploration of polyandry, feminism, and equal marital rights. It is not a mere reaction to contemporary trends but a deliberate, deeply personal inquiry into societal norms and the power of women in various roles—as mothers, wives, lovers, and career women. Though Freya is a serial monogamist, her work aims to ignite conversation and broaden the scope of what is considered acceptable for women.
The exhibition confronts the legal and social constraints of South Africa, where polygamy is legally recognized only as polygyny (a man with multiple wives) and not polyandry (a woman with multiple husbands). By addressing this disparity, Freya’s work critiques the entrenched patriarchal systems that shape our understanding of marital structures and the limitations imposed on women. Love Unbound advocates for the exploration of polyandrous relationships and the empowerment of women to define their own terms for love and partnership.
Visitors to the exhibition will engage with a diverse range of artistic forms, including visual arts, installations, and potentially digital and photographic works. Among the standout installations is “Balancing Acts,” a poignant portrayal of the daily lives of individuals in polyandrous relationships. This installation aims to dismantle biases and highlight the resilience and humanity of those navigating these non-traditional family structures.
The opening night of Love Unbound will feature a transformative performance by Willemoes-Wissing, including a staged wedding ceremony with multiple participants. This provocative event is designed to challenge and engage audiences, offering an immersive experience that prompts critical reflection on societal norms and personal beliefs about relationships. Attendees will also interact with a rich array of poetry, essays, and personal narratives, providing deeper insights into non-traditional family structures and contemporary relationships.
Love Unbound serves as a mirror to diverse experiences beyond traditional norms, inviting viewers to question their own perspectives and engage with the evolving landscape of human connections. The exhibition explores the intersectionality of equal rights and feminism, examining how these ideologies intersect with aspects of identity such as race, sexuality, and disability. Freya Willemoes-Wissing’s work continues to champion the power of women and expand the possibilities of how they can express themselves, challenging the constraints of societal expectations and advocating for a broader understanding of human relationships.
EVENT DETAILS:
- Exhibition Title: Love Unbound
- Artist: Freya Willemoes-Wissing
- Venue: AVA Gallery – Long Gallery
- Address: 35 Church St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000
- Exhibition Dates: October 10, 2024, to December 10, 2024
- Opening Night Performance: October 10, 2024
- Exhibition Focus: Polyandry, feminism, equal marital rights, and challenging traditional gender roles and family structures
- Special Features: Performance by Freya Willemoes-Wissing on opening night
Video Preview:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qh432VbrK5pmm7fljx38jBZoPFwnMSm6/view