Welcoming Itumeleng Manne To the Under The Aegis Team!

We are delighted to welcome Itumeleng Manne to our curatorial team after completing her 3 month internship. As the curatorial assistant, Itumeleng will be working on exhibitions, art fairs and the gallery programming.

Image taken by Lwando Mxutu

Itumeleng Manne is a passionate and driven Art History scholar and aspiring curator. Manne earned her Honours degree in Art History from the University of Cape Town, achieving distinction for her mini-dissertation, which critically examined the role of language as a tool of violence in shaping the perception of ‘African Art’ within the art world. With a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Film, her academic and professional journey is deeply rooted in the exploration of African art and its diaspora.

Dedicated to reshaping art historical discourse, she aspires to curate spaces that challenge conventions and celebrate the richness of African artistic expression. During her undergraduate studies, Manne developed a strong interest in the historical narratives and curatorial practices within the art world. Her academic focus has been enriched by elective studies in African literature and its connections to art, culminating in her thesis that challenged Western epistemologies and centres on African artistic expressions. Professionally, Itumeleng has gained hands-on experience through roles such as interning at the Sanlam Art Gallery, where she contributed to research, curation, and social media management.

Her internship at the AVA Gallery further honed her skills in exhibition installation, event coordination, and inventory management, earning her a promotion from volunteer to intern. Additionally, she has been an active member of UCT’s Work of Art Collection Committee, contributing to its curation and social media strategies. With a clear goal of becoming a curator, Manne aims to immerse herself in diverse collections, furthering her contributions to South Africa’s vibrant art scene. Her work reflects a commitment to blending scholarly inquiry with curatorial innovation, ensuring a more inclusive and representative art world.