Dr. Nathani Lüneburg, currently serving
as a Senior Lecturer in Art History at North-West University, boasts a rich
academic and artistic background. With a tenure spanning 13 years, she
previously lectured in Visual Multimedia Arts at Unisa and contributed to
postgraduate programs at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.
Additionally, she played a pivotal role as a postgraduate supervisor at the
University of Pretoria.
Primarily recognised as a practicing
artist specialising in digital stop-frame animation and digital painting,
Lüneburg has received accolades, including the prestigious Absa Látelier Award,
a KKNK Kanna Award, a Kyknet Fiёsta Award, the Hallo Ambassador Award, and the
Best Honours Visual Arts Student Award at the University of Pretoria. Her
noteworthy recognition extends to being selected as a top 100 candidate for
Sasol New Signatures four times and five times for Absa Látelier, with two
appearances in the top ten for Absa Látelier. Lüneburg's cinematic works have
garnered international acclaim, earning placements in esteemed exhibitions
across the globe.
Notably, her films and digital paintings
were featured at the Dak’Art Biennial of Contemporary Art in Dakar,
Senegal, showcasing her contribution to the dynamic discourse of contemporary
African art. Her participation in The Cross Connection exhibition, which
traversed cultural landscapes and journeyed to Truman State University and the
University of Texas in the USA, as well as Luxun Academy of Fine Arts, Central
Academy of Fine Arts, and Fine Art College at Shanghai University in China, attests
to the transcultural resonance of her cinematic expressions. Lüneburg's art
further left an indelible mark at San Carlos Academy, University of Mexico, and
the Mexico National School of Fine Art. On the Australian stage, Lüneburg
engaged with the creative community through her involvement in Remoteness at
QUT Creative Industries Precinct in Brisbane, Australia, and The Body
exhibition at the Frankston Art Centre. Her commitment to interdisciplinary
dialogue was evident in her participation in the African Studies Association
of Australasia and the Pacific Conference exhibition at the State Library
in Melbourne, Australia. Internationally, Lüneburg's artistic reach extended to
the Prague National Gallery in the Czech Republic, where she participated in
the International Triennial of Contemporary Arts in 2008. Her
contribution to the exhibition Just Visiting at the Frankston Art Centre
Glass Cube in Frankston, Australia, showcased her global impact and ability to
connect with diverse audiences. Furthermore, Lüneburg actively participated in
the Video Nomad Artist’s Film: International Screening at the Njele Art
Station in Zimbabwe, the Video Nomad Artist’s Film International Screening
in La Marsa, Tunisia, and the Video Nomad: V edition of XXX Fuorifestival
in Pesaro, Italy, demonstrating her engagement with the international film
community. On the African continent, she took part in the Women
exhibition in Windhoek, Namibia, contributing to the cultural tapestry of the
region. Her involvement in the Us Them, You exhibition in Vermont,
Canada, highlighted her commitment to addressing global themes through her
artistry. Overall, Lüneburg's international filmography and digital drawing and
painting reflects a dedication to fostering cross-cultural dialogues and
contributing to the global discourse on contemporary art.
Lüneburg's
illustrious artistic career is punctuated by a series of eight solo
exhibitions, showcasing her creative prowess on both national and international
stages. Two of these exhibitions were hosted in Australia, demonstrating the
global reach of her artistic endeavours. In 2021, In Memory of Loekie and
All the Others unfolded at the White River, providing a platform for
Lüneburg's evocative exploration of themes and narratives of trauma associated
with pet loss. The exhibition served as a testament to her artistic evolution
and thematic depth. In 2016, Droom Verlore captivated audiences in
Mbombela at the Innibos National Arts Festival, offering a glimpse into
Lüneburg's artistic vision and expression of trauma related to miscarriage. The
exhibition provided an immersive experience for spectators, showcasing her
ability to engage with diverse themes of female traumas. The year 2015
witnessed the presentation of As Die Vlooie Byt in Lalla Land at the
Klein Karoo National Arts Festival in Oudtshoorn, underscoring Lüneburg's
versatility in addressing poignant subjects through her art related to child
sexual abuse. In 2014, Lüneburg's DPhil art exhibition, titled Loss, was
prominently featured at the Unisa Art Gallery in Pretoria. This exhibition
served as a pivotal moment, allowing her to delve into the conceptual depth of
her doctoral research related to Freudian trauma theories through visual
expression. The international dimension of Lüneburg's solo exhibitions includes
Just Visiting, showcased at the Frankston Art Centre Glass Cube in
Australia in 2009. This marked a significant instance of her work resonating
with international audiences, emphasising her cross-cultural impact. Displacement
found its space at the Monash Art Gallery at Monash University, Melbourne, in
2008, providing a unique lens into Lüneburg's exploration of spatial and
emotional dynamics. Additionally, in 2006, Altered World marked
Lüneburg's inaugural solo exhibition at Fried Contemporary in Pretoria,
unveiling her artistic journey and early contributions to the South African art
scene. These solo exhibitions collectively represent the rich tapestry of
Lüneburg's artistic legacy, reflecting her ongoing dedication to pushing the
boundaries of contemporary art.
Lüneburg's
distinguished profile extends to her active participation in conference
exhibitions, a testament to her academic and artistic contributions to
interdisciplinary discourses. Noteworthy conferences where she has been invited
to showcase her work include the 2018 Co-creation of Culture, the 7th Biennial
ITSA (International Textile and Apparel Association), and the 2nd International
TESA (Textile Society of America) Conference. Her engagement with the thematic
exploration of "Ethics, Affect, and Endurance" is evident in her
involvement in The 6th International Conference on Ethics Education in 2018. In
2011, Lüneburg made a significant contribution to the Animals in Law and
Society Conference held at the University of South Africa in Pretoria. This
platform allowed her to intersect artistic expression with legal and societal
perspectives on animals, showcasing her commitment to addressing
multidimensional themes within her work. Further reinforcing her international
presence, Lüneburg participated in the African Studies Association of
Australasia and the Pacific Conference in 2008. These conference exhibitions
underscore her commitment to fostering dialogue across academic disciplines and
highlight her role as a thought leader within the realms of ethics, culture,
and interdisciplinary studies.
Lüneburg's extensive participation in over 60 national group exhibitions underscores her significant presence within the contemporary art scene. Notable highlights of her exhibition history include a compelling two-woman show at Aardklop in 2009, as well as a prominent inclusion in an Absa show at the same festival. Her recurrent presence at the Innibos Art Festival, with a remarkable six appearances, exemplifies her enduring commitment to this influential platform. Additionally, Lüneburg has contributed to the cultural landscape through a solo exhibition and five participations at the KKNK (Klein Karoo National Arts Festival), further showcasing the diversity and depth of her artistic engagement. Her involvement in the prestigious Design Indaba in Cape Town adds another layer to her multifaceted exhibition portfolio, highlighting her consistent presence in key artistic events that shape and contribute to the discourse within the South African art scene.
Lüneburg published various articles on
altermodernism and African diaspora, trauma and miscarriage, and patriarchal
constructions impacting queer sexuality, and apartheid-era patriarchy and the
SADF represented in queer film. Current research focuses on analysing South
African films addressing sex work, the black female monstrous and child sexual
abuse. Themes interconnect through the lens of oppression faced by vulnerable
individuals in South Africa, elucidating the resultant traumatic effects.
