Strauss & co - 15 February 2020, Cape Town

78  ATHI-PATRA RUGA SOUTH AFRICAN 1984– Ka Marman, Ka Khanyi Ikhetshi*** 2010 wool and tapestry thread on tapestry canvas 63 by 90cm R200 000 – 300 000 EXHIBITED WHATIFTHEWORLD, Cape Town, Athi-Patra Ruga: Teeth Are the Only Bones That Show , 6 October to 27 November 2010. The current lot formed part of Athi- Patra Ruga’s solo exhibition Teeth Are the Only Bones That Show at WHATIFTHEWORLD in 2010. “In this exhibition Athi-Patra Ruga elaborates on an already dense personal iconography informed by influences as diverse as pop culture, theology, performance, ritual, and sociopolitical concerns. He presents us with visual propositions that challenge definitions of masculinity and highlight contemporary South African issues around sexuality, wealth, race and consumerism as a framework for identity. Mixing beach balls, Lamborghinis, French baroque, BEE, Cape Flats gangsters, Louis Vuitton, and Xhosa initiation rites, Ruga blends these seemingly disparate elements into his portrait of a complex and fluid society.” 1 1.  https://www.capetownmagazine.com/events/ athi-patra-ruga-exhibition-at-whatiftheworld- gallery/2010-10-17/11_37_52617 94