Eclectica Contemporary is pleased to present Rebooting the Gaze, a solo show by Patrick Rulore.

Patrick Rulore (b. 1995, Johannesburg) has emerged as a South African contemporary artist who blends light and shadow to evoke the quiet dramas of everyday life against the backdrop of power outages and socio-political challenges. His work, inspired by Caravaggio, Vermeer and other masters, utilises illumination to highlight deeper emotional and social realities. However, Rulore’s unique perspective shaped by Africa’s ever-changing landscape adds layers of local significance to these global artistic traditions. Each of his pieces pulses with the rhythm of a continent in flux, bridging the gap between global art history and the African experience.

His artistic journey, underscored by accolades such as the Sasol New Signatures Award, reflects his growing influence as a visionary in a world where light and darkness are more than artistic metaphors; they are the lived experiences of a people. Through Rulore’s eyes, the African context becomes a canvas for universal struggles and triumphs, resonating with the complexities of modern life.

One of his provocative re-imaginings, Supper at Emmaus, places Julius Malema at the head of the table, intertwining religious symbolism with modern political commentary. By referencing Caravaggio, a master of dramatic lighting, Rulore invites viewers to reflect on how figures like Malema are viewed as both saviours and disruptors. This transformation of a familiar religious scene explores the tension between redemption, authority, and the power dynamics of contemporary African politics.

In a similarly bold move, Rulore reinterprets The Fall of Man through a modern lens. Drawing inspiration from Peter Paul Rubens’ dynamic baroque style, he depicts Adam and Eve adorned in Nikes, symbolizing the modern obsession with materialism. Here, the “fall” shifts from a moral transgression to a critique of consumer culture, highlighting how status and wealth define contemporary life. Rulore’s take on this iconic scene confronts viewers with the idea that today’s temptations are less about forbidden knowledge and more about the lure of branding and social image.

Perhaps most striking is his reinterpretation of Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam. By portraying God and Adam as Black, Rulore challenges traditional Eurocentric depictions of divinity. This redefinition of the sacred not only reclaims Black identity within religious iconography but also introduces the nurturing power of the feminine by surrounding God with beautiful women. Through this revision, Rulore urges viewers to reconsider cultural and theological norms, prompting a broader dialogue on representation, spirituality, and beauty.

In Rebooting the Gaze, Rulore pushes the boundaries of classical art to reflect modern African realities, creating a powerful fusion of the local and universal. His reinterpretations challenge viewers to rethink historical narratives while highlighting the vibrancy and complexity of contemporary African life.