A passion for the arts, which started in primary school, has blossomed into a professional artistic journey for Avuzwa Noko, a University of Fort Hare (UFH) final-year Fine Arts Master’s student.
His latest milestone is “A Visual Journey Through Forgotten Railway” – a solo exhibition forming part of his master’s studies, now on display at the Ann Bryant Gallery in East London.
The exhibition features 20 stunning photographic works that showcase the once-thriving railway stations that connected communities across the Eastern Cape. Now often abandoned and left in ruins, these stations hold a deep historical significance. Noko’s work invites visitors to reflect on the past while considering the possibility of future revival.
The exhibition opened yesterday afternoon in a gallery filled with art lovers and will run until 29 April. Featuring an immersive soundscape of raw train effects, it invites audiences into a sensory experience that enhances the subject’s emotional weight and historical significance.
Departure
Originally from Nikwe, kwaFonoza, a small township in Mbizana, Noko’s artistic journey began in childhood and was nurtured through school competitions and creative exploration, even while pursuing science subjects in high school.
Initially interested in architecture, Noko was accepted into UFH’s Fine Art programme in 2017, a decision that set him on a transformative path. He is now a time-on-task Fine Art lecturer, with aspirations to teach and mentor the next generation of visual storytellers.
His current body of work focuses on the neglected railway infrastructure of the Eastern Cape. Through photography and immersive installations, he explores themes of memory, abandonment, and social revival – using art not only to reflect history but to ignite conversations and inspire action.
“My work is inspired by artist Sammy Baloji, whose approach guides me in using art as a bridge between history, memory, and the future. Through this exhibition, I hope to rekindle interest in the Eastern Cape railways and ensure that these stations are not forgotten.”
Stations of Memory
“The Eastern Cape’s railways were once the lifeblood of the region,” stated Noko. “They connected people, fostered economic growth, and shaped the social landscape. Now, these forgotten spaces are slowly being erased from public memory. My aim is to revive these places through my lens and to spark a conversation about their possible future.”
Through striking contrasts in his photographs, Noko emphasizes the stark divide between the vibrant past of these stations and their current state of abandonment. The sky remains bright and hopeful in each image, while the foreground—the stations themselves—is darkened, symbolizing the neglect and decay that has overtaken them.
New Destinations: A Future Rooted in Legacy
According to the acting head of the Fine Arts Department, Mr Thando Mama, the submission by Noko was a first for the department. “This is quite an achievement not just for Noko, or the department, but for the direction we want to move towards in the Fine Arts discipline.”
Highlighting the significance of Noko’s work, Dr Siphe Potelwa said: “An artist’s criticism should be based on what should be improved in our societies. In the national government’s priorities, talks on collapsing infrastructure have been key, and Noko’s work speaks to that discourse.”
The Deputy Dean of Social Sciences and Humanities, Dr Kim Schmidt, said the faculty is very proud of Mr Noko. “This exhibition is about journey, and I feel that Noko’s journey is one of immense perseverance. It started from winning competitions for his art as a young boy to now being here. We wish him well on his journey into the future, and we know he is destined for greatness.”
Noko has now embarked on a journey towards becoming an academic in the Fine Arts field. “In addition to producing art, I want to contribute to the body of knowledge in the Fine Arts space. This through by writing and publishing papers,” he said.