5/02-15/03/2012
Solo show of new work by Aleta Armstrong.
Opening Speech by Earl Irving – US Ambassador to Swaziland
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my pleasure to participate in the opening of “Sketches”, a new exhibition by artist Aleta Armstrong. As most of you know, Aleta has been a driving force behind the development of the arts in Swaziland. She, along with husband Peter and son Dane, established Yebo! Art Gallery as a space for artists to display their work in a creative, professional environment. It serves as a place for artists to cultivate their talent in collaboration and in solidarity with other artists, something that is invaluable in a profession that can often be a solitary one. Yebo! is now looking for new ways to reach out to young people by using art as a means to empower the youth of Swaziland. In everything she does, Aleta is committed to serving the community through her passion for art and is a great example for all of us.
Last year, the U.S. Embassy partnered with Yebo! on the Indzaba Yetfu exhibit. It was an innovative project that brought artists and people working to fight the AIDS epidemic together to share, through art, how PEPFAR and its partners are working towards an AIDS free generation. The result was a spectacular show that showed the depth of the challenges, and of the commitment of those working to meet those challenges. I was moved, as were the artists and the visitors to the exhibit. It was a great example of how art can be a means of creating social change.
Beyond the “Indzaba Yetfu” exhibit, this gallery has put forth bold and thought-provoking exhibits that encourage both the artists and the visitors to stretch and reflect. “Creative Freedom of Expression”, “Swaziland Now”, and “I Believe…”are just a few of their exhibits that have provided a space for artists to express themselves on issues facing Swazis today. All people need opportunities and platforms to express their views, whether they are artists, journalists, students, or every day citizens. Yebo! provides such a platform for the arts community and I dare say Swaziland is better off for it.
Aleta, I congratulate you on this opening of this exhibit of your recent paintings, but beyond that, on your commitment to using art to give back to the people of this country.