OCTH Walkabout | The Siege and the Sanctuary

This October, in recognition of Mental Health Month, we present "The Siege and the Sanctuary", looking at mental health through two lenses: the siege, the internal attack on the mind, and the sanctuary, the quiet discipline of recovery. Join Our Cape Town Heritage on 01 October 2026 at 6pm for an informative and interactive art and culture walkabout to explore the work of two Cape Town based artists.

Alfred Kitsi, one of the exhibiting artists in this exhibition, explores the idea of the siege in his works by exploring the element of horror in his art practice. Kitsi s work, indeed, signifies the siege since horror, as a genre, explores the loss of control in one's mind, body or even one's environment. Kitsi delves into the psychological and spiritual dimensions of fear, distortion, and the human condition. Drawing from horror and surrealism, his haunting imagery confronts the darkness that exists within and around us, transforming discomfort into revelation.

Jaden Wells' work, on the other hand, represents the "sanctuary" whereby we come to understand that the mind too, can become sanctuary through a rigorous process, which can eventually lead towards recovery. Wells, through his practice, embodies continued focus, repetition and endurance, which counteracts the chaos one mentally feels. Working with everyday materials such as aluminium foil, charcoal, ink, and paper, Wells transforms the mundane through repetitive, labour-intensive methods that emphasize mindfulness and healing. Working with everyday materials such as aluminium foil, charcoal, ink, and paper, Wells transforms the mundane through repetitive, labour-intensive methods that emphasise mindfulness and healing.

This exhibition is accompanied by the Digital Archive Research Library (DARL) https://ourcapetownheritage.org/mental-health- conducted by OCTH's research team. In keeping in line with the genre of horror to explore the different facets of mental distress, our research looks at the cycles of horror and surveillance that were unfortunately found at the Cape. The research analyses the historical archive and investigates the history of fear, horror, and perceived deviance when it came to mental instability within marginalised communities in South Africa.

Led by Curatorial Assistant Zoku Mgoduka-Horn, transforming a passive viewing experience into an intimate, interactive journey. Sharing the historical data and insights gathered and produced on mental health for the DARL, enriching the viewer's understanding and turning a simple gallery visit into a memorable, educational cultural event.

Visitors will also gain direct insight into the inspiration, technical processes, and hidden narratives behind each piece from the artists.

Visit ourcapetownheritage.org for more.

More about the Host:

The Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation serves as a vital custodian of the late Archbishop's enduring commitment to human rights, social justice, and reconciliation. Based at the historic Desmond Tutu House in Cape Town, the foundation actively promotes the core values of its founders by fostering critical dialogue, supporting community-led initiatives, and advancing the profound African philosophy of Ubuntu. The foundation works to heal fractured societies and ensure that the pursuit of truth and restorative justice remains central to building a more equitable world. Constructed between 1808 and 1813, the building is one of Cape Town s most complex and layered structural artefacts. Over its 200-year history, the site has transitioned through several institutional iterations, serving sequentially as a private residence and bakery, a British customs house, a town granary, a magistrates' court, and a civil engineer's office.