Cloud Migration

Cloud Migration presents a body of work by the talented South African artist Phumulani Ntuli whose diverse practice delves into contemporary themes, exploring complex issues of identity, migration and the human condition.

Cloud Migration specifically addresses the movement of digital assets and artistic artefacts to a computing environment, a digital cloud. In a distinct collage style, this animation reflects on physical migration, animating a privatised history where digital private images become public. The film uses archival photographic images from Alfred Duggan Cronin's travels to South Africa, originally only intended for consumption outside the country they purported to chronicle, and juxtaposes them with animated narratives from the present. The film thus utilises post-lens media, indicating a shift from traditional photography to a more modern or unconventional method of visual storytelling. By doing so, the viewer is invited to reflect on the contemporary use of filters so prevalent in social media and imaging technologies.

These reflections intersect with ongoing conversations in South Africa, addressing issues of belonging, immigration and land. Cloud Migration will be presented alongside Godide, another work by Phumulani Ntuli. Ntuli uses them as a starting point for examining contemporary image-making in South Africa.

– Vanja Kaludjercic

Interested in more? Join our Art Directions Talk on Friday 26 January. Click here for the details.