Athi-Patra Ruga

WHATIFTHEWORLD, Cape Town

Acquired from the above by the present owner

The title of this artwork, loosely translated from isiXhosa means, "A man will rue the day, by me as a result of me!" this artwork features two of Athi-Patra Ruga's fictional characters, the Walking Wound and the Elder, from the "Queens in Exile" series (2014–2017). The series delves into themes of history, memory, colonialism, apartheid, and cultural healing. Through symbolism, the artwork reflects on the experiences of Black South Africans, particularly in relation to apartheid, emphasizing the importance of remembrance to acknowledge historical pain and build a more inclusive future for Black and queer communities.