Reimagining "Indianness". Cultural Identity in the Works of Contemporary South African Indian Artists

Paper Abstract: South Africa is home to the largest population of Indian descent on the African continent, with over 1.3 million people, primarily residing in Durban. Indian migration to South Africa began as early as the 18th century, with waves of indentured laborers and free migrants arriving from British India. While these settlers dispersed across the country, Durban has since become one of the largest ethnically Indian-populated cities outside of India.

The Indian diaspora in South Africa is rich and diverse, representing an array of religious, cultural, and culinary traditions. During the colonial era, Indians, like black Africans, were subject to racial segregation, a legacy that persisted under the apartheid regime, which enforced rigid boundaries between racial groups. Despite their deep integration into South African society, Indian South Africans have maintained a distinct cultural identity that continues to evolve across generations.

This study seeks to explore the question of "Indianness" as expressed in the works of a new generation of South African Indian visual artists. These artists, many of whom have never visited India, often draw on imagery and themes deeply rooted in Indian culture. Through their art, they navigate complex questions of identity, belonging, and the concept of a homeland—both real and imagined. By examining their work, this research aims to unpack how notions of cultural heritage and identity are reimagined and represented in a contemporary South African context.