Norval Foundation presents Tears Now But Heaven Tomorrow, an exhibition honouring the legacy of South African artist Githan Coopoo (1994–2025), whose singular voice redefined the possibilities of clay in contemporary art.
“It is a privilege to be able to showcase the work of the late Githan Coopoo; a master of combining seemingly playful works with cutting wit and searing commentary. Githan’s work encourages us to look beyond our first impressions, and examine notions of self and identity through a new lens. The exuberant use of colour in his works, along with the imbued meaning, is sure to offer viewers a delightful introduction to his career and legacy.” – Caroline Greyling, Norval Foundation Museum Director.
A self-taught sculptor, Coopoo transformed clay into a medium of adornment, critique, and storytelling. His innovative practice blurred the boundaries between craft and fine art, shaping fragile material into both intimate jewellery and commanding sculptural forms. His work carried tenderness, humour, and defiance, revealing the strength in vulnerability and the beauty in fragility.
Drawing inspiration from mythology, ancient civilisations, and his queer, South African and diasporic heritage, Coopoo created works that resonated with both personal and universal meaning. Playful yet profound, his sculptures invite us to consider how bodies and spaces hold memory, desire, and history, while questioning value, permanence, and identity.
With Tears Now But Heaven Tomorrow, Norval Foundation celebrates Coopoo’s enduring contribution to contemporary South African art. His art remains a testament to the power of ornament as poetry, and to the way vulnerability can transform into strength.
“Githan’s unforgettable presence echoes through this collection of work, from the smallest earring and quickest studio sketch, to his larger-than-life vases. Githan saw his own work as a vessel or a placeholder for himself – the exhibition allows us to stand with him again, as he reminds us, in his words and through his work, to be here for each other – ‘that’s what we’re there for’.” – Lena Sulik, Everard Read.
Tears Now But Heaven Tomorrow is a collaboration between Norval Foundation, and Everard Read with special thanks to Lena Sulik and Ruth Ramsden-Karelse.
