Published 08 July 2026 in Media Blogs
Dimpho Mogale
Joshua Maharaj
The exhibition Beneath the Surface by Joshua Maharaj is now open to the public, inviting visitors to engage with a compelling body of work that explores the unresolved tensions of post-apartheid South Africa through the mediums of printmaking and drawing.
Maharaj’s practice examines the built environment as both a physical and symbolic reflection of contemporary South African society. Drawing inspiration from everyday life, he constructs a satirical portrait of a nation in flux one where spaces once intended to represent progress have instead come to embody neglect, inequality, and stalled accountability.
Etching plays a significant conceptual and technical role in the exhibition. The corrosive action of acid on a metal plate mirrors the slow, often invisible forces that erode public trust, economic stability, and communal hope. Each permanently incised line becomes a metaphor for the enduring political and social scars that continue to shape the country’s landscape.
The exhibition has already sparked meaningful conversations among visitors, with many reflecting on the powerful themes and narratives presented in the work. It has been fascinating to witness the diverse perspectives audiences bring to the exhibition and the depth of engagement it has inspired.
The craftsmanship throughout the exhibition is truly exceptional. Every print reveals remarkable precision and intricate detail, rewarding careful observation. These are works that invite viewers to linger each glance uncovering another layer of technical mastery and conceptual depth. One could spend hours with these pieces, continually discovering new details and gaining a deeper appreciation for the artist’s extraordinary skill.
Beneath the Surface not only questions accountability but also invites audiences to confront the uncomfortable realities often obscured by political rhetoric, making it an exhibition that is as thought-provoking as it is visually captivating.