Keroshin Govender

The Myth of the Thugee Death Cults and Other Tales, 2023

Jute, Found Fabrics, Hand Stitching, Felted Wool, Terracotta and Wood

In 1835 Major William Sleeman helped construct the myth of Thugee death cults in India and was thus granted powers to eradicate numerous unruly nomadic tribes. Animal sacrifice, worshiping the dead, symbols of snakes and skulls etc. are often utilised in binary descriptions of good and evil to further marginalise the oppressed 'other.'

This work recontextualises various family practices and beliefs which may have been subverted via orientalism, colonialism, and contemporary media. Using painting as a language, Govinder layers textures, materials and personal stories. Chosen materials and techniques all have significance to those being represented. Jute is an important plant in India and jute fibers are associated with trade and exploration. Some of the found fabrics are from the homes of Jovin's family members.

Keroshin’s works reference rituals, practices, knowledge and stories that have been fragmented over time. As a descendent of Indian indentured labourers taken to KwaZulu-Natal, he investigates how some of these practices have been enriched through engagement with other South African cultures, while others have been discarded through forced assimilation during colonial and apartheid years.

They layering aspects of time, culture, and history are explored via the language of painting, and with symbols and materials loaded with meaning. Besides familial knowledge, he draws inspiration from theorists exploring racialisation (Dub Bois and Robinson) and orientalism (Said) as well as artists living between multiple cultures (Crosby) and investigating our contemporary relationship to slavery (Walker).