“CASH 4 GOLD” PREVIEW NIGHT at the manor

On December 5th, The Manor’s hosted an exclusive preview of Cash 4 Gold, the final exhibition of the year at The Manor’s exhibition space and concept store at 44 Stanley. Against the backdrop of Johannesburg’s “City of Gold,” the exhibition by Jakinda Boya brought together art, music, and dialogue in an exploration of value, aspiration, and exclusion.

Boya’s practice is deeply personal, shaped by his exclusion from representation and opportunity. Yet, these personal experiences resonate universally, as they highlight the ways systems of power and privilege shape lives everywhere. The title, “Cash 4 Gold,” encapsulates this dynamic. It speaks to Johannesburg’s mining legacy, but also to the commodification of hope and survival in a consumer-driven world. Works like “Buyer’s Choice” reference the omnipresent signs advertising bargains, mimicking the urgency of economic survival while questioning what, ultimately, is valued.

The preview event was elevated by electrifying live performances that set the tone for Boya’s exploration of dualities, featuring a live performance by Stiff Pap as well as DJ sets by Cicles & Squares and Deniece Marz. The Manor’s space became an extension of Boya’s artistic vision, combining its curated aesthetic with the grit, gold, and allure of the Cash 4 Gold theme. Attendees were immersed in a multisensory experience, surrounded by striking artworks and pulsating music that made the opening one for the books.