Joao Ladeira presents the exhibition Arise Africa while Belmiro Jemusse showcases his ongoing series Saudade. Both offer perspectives on the human condition and our present moment, with Ladeira exploring cultural resilience and renewal on the African continent and Jemusse looking at feelings of saudade and longing, and the yearning for connection in an increasingly digital world.
Arise Africa by Joao Ladeira
Arise Africa, a solo exhibition by Joao Ladeira, reflects on the continent's enduring strength and cultural awakening. Drawing on two decades of work exploring migration and displacement across Africa, Ladeira uses layered imagery and symbolic narratives to reimagine Africa's past, present, and future as a continuous dialogue of renewal and resilience.
On show from Sun, Nov 2 until Sun, Nov 23, 2025 in the Ellis House Art Gallery.
Saudade by Belmiro Jemusse
Mozambican artist Belmiro Jemusse (known as Jemmiro) presents Saudade, a solo exhibition exploring the emotionality of this Portuguese phrase. The Portuguese title refers to a deep emotional longing – in this case, for tangible human connection in an era dominated by screens and algorithms. Through colliding textures, lines, colours and forms, Jemusse captures the fragility of modern relationships and our yearning for the present and real.
On show from Sun, Nov 2 until Sun, Nov 23, 2025 in Senzeni Marasela Studio 2. Viewing is by appointment only, contact info@ellishouse.co.za.
Established in 2012 in a former textile factory, Ellis House has been transformed into studio spaces of varying sizes and is home to more than 30 emerging and established artists. It forms part of a vibrant cultural node of artists' studios and spaces in the inner-city.
