Arts exhibition celebrates women in science, heritage and the arts

A powerful arts exhibition, Cosmic Echoes: Shared Sky Indigenous Art Exhibition, brought together women from the spheres of science, heritage, and the arts to celebrate Women's Day on August 9.

Hosted by the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), and Sol Plaatje University (SPU), the event showcased the collaborative celebration of indigenous people and their wisdom of the southern night skies.

The exhibition honoured the contributions of women in science and art, particularly indigenous women who merge traditional knowledge with modern inquiry.

Ouma Katrina Esau, a legendary storyteller and preserver of language, was commended for her work in protecting the ǂKhomani San N/uu language.

Born and raised in the Northern Cape, Ouma Katrina teaches N|uu from her home, ensuring that this vital part of South Africa’s earliest linguistic and cultural heritage is not lost. “It is only fitting that the first and only university in the Northern Cape honours a living legend from the Northern Cape,” said SPU Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Debra Meyer.

Meyer described Ouma Katrina as a "woman of substance" who remains anchored to her culture while embracing technology and education, adding that Ouma Katrina “epitomises the exhibition’s ethos and serves as a living link to remembering where we’ve come from to ensure a better future going forward.” 

A panel discussion, themed "Cosmic Voices – Women Shaping STEM," highlighted the inroads women have made in science, technology, the arts, and linguistics. Panellists included Pontsho Maruping, Managing Director of SARAO, and artist Sylvia Vollenhoven.

Maruping emphasised the importance of women staying true to themselves in male-dominated industries, while SKA-Mid Telescope Director, Dr Lindsay Magnus, celebrated women's wisdom and their role as custodians of culture.

The Cosmic Echoes exhibition will be on display at SPU's Library Auditorium until September 13, 2025, offering opportunities for public engagement and visitation.