Written and Illustrated by Chloé Truscott
An exploration of the artist’s longing for peace is demonstrated in the vivid imagery of his work: encouraging the belief of hope, and the active imagining that peace is possible.
“This event activates small engagements—the more important things in life are small and precious. Like a dinner at an art gallery, and it reaches further than the moment.” —Diego Masera
Recently David Krut Arts and Africa Collect co-hosted a dinner in conversation with artist and former UN diplomat Diego Masera at the Blue House to celebrate the artist’s Hope | Against the Grammar of Violence exhibition, which I was fortunate enough to attend.
It was a delight to experience how this beautiful and relaxed event engaged guests in such a personable and intimate way; and I think a lot of it was thanks to Diego’s demeanor and personality which made us feel at home and in comfort of each other’s company over drinks and lovely food.
There’s just something different about connecting with people who connect with art. It’s a love language when artist, viewer and artwork connect …
Tables draped in white under the night sky in the gallery courtyard. Sara, founder of Africa Collect, warmly and enthusiastically welcomes us; before long, we each have a refreshment in hand. An excited buzz of conversation as everyone started milling about discussing and admiring Diego’s work.
Amongst those gathered at this special event were an interior designer, an art collector, a politician, a financier turned part-time playwright, a phycologist who sees art as a way to further her practice, an art writer, a photographer, and a man who smilingly said, “I am here because she brought me along—and she is a good influence”.
“Africa Collect literally means collect, so – “… was Sarah’s invitation as she gesticulated towards the gallery, eliciting a ripple of laughter. A small printing press was wheeled in so that David Krut Workshop printmaker Roxy Kaczmarek (who collaborated with Diego to bring his work to life) could demonstrate and explain their creative process.
While enjoying Mozambique and South African inspired cuisine, made with indigenous ingredients and prepared on a wood fire, all eyes were on Diego as he shared his ideas with emotion and passion: what inspired him and drove him to tell the story of his experience while working in Africa as a United Nations diplomat. Seeing the deaths of so many—the “grammar of violence”—he was haunted by a question; a question of action in the light of knowledge.
“Art tells—it speaks of what has happened. It says more by saying less, and it has the ability to reach so many; it is talked about and touches the souls of people. It makes you stop and take a moment to think differently. We are actors, we can decide to want something different. Agreement cannot happen if someone did not imagine it being possible“. Diego Masera
Drawing a wonderful evening to a close, Diego left us with the thought that our gathering was an activation for small changes; small engagements. That the more important things in life are small and precious. Like a relaxed dinner at an art gallery. Like allowing ourselves to slow down, creating the space for conversation, finding resonance in community, like the intimacy of authenticity and the opportunity to activate.
Next stop for Diego’s work: Freedom Park and Robben Island. To continue being deliberate about peace. Living the belief that peace is something that can be achieved. To imagine that it is possible. To give hope against the grammar of violence.
