Cosmic Echoes: poignant arts exhibition celebrates three spheres of science, heritage and the arts

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Science, heritage and the arts have come together in a unique arts exhibition to pay homage to women of strength on Women’s Day, celebrated annually on 9 August.

The Cosmic Echoes: Shared Sky Indigenous Art Exhibition, a powerful collaboration between the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency and Wajarri Yamaji Aboriginal Corporation and Sol Plaatje University (SPU), brought together women to discuss how the three spheres of art, heritage and the sciences could be forged together to prosper women.

The women’s day event, hosted by SARAO, the SKAO and SPU, showcased the collaborative celebration of indigenous people and their wisdom of the southern night skies. It honoured the contributions of women in science and art, especially indigenous women who merge traditional knowledge with modern inquiry, enriching culture, science, education and policy. Hosted at SPU,  befittingly, the event offered a rare glimpse into the life of legendary story-teller and preserver of language, Ouma Katrina Esau.

Ouma Katrina is widely seen as a living embodiment of the enduring power of women’s wisdom to shape and preserve communities. Her contribution in protecting the ǂKhomani San N/uu language and saving it from the brink of  extinction was commended.

Described by SPU Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Debra Meyer, as a “woman of substance and a phenomenal woman who remains anchored to her culture while embracing technology and education to preserve her people’s language”, Ouma Katrina’s life reflects both the loss caused by colonisation and apartheid and the courage to fight back.

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 Prof. Meyer, 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 vibrant panel discussion with the theme of Cosmic voices – Women shaping STEM, also emphasised the massive inroads which women have made in science and technology, the arts and linguistics.

Panellists included Pontsho Maruping, Managing Director of SARAO; Bertha Lesego Kgatitswe, Sociology Lecturer at SPU; and artist, curator and Heritage Practitioner, Sylvia Vollenhoven.

Hosted in the Northern Cape, home to many of the South African artists featured, the exhibition embodies “creativity at the intersection of modern science and ancient wisdom”, said Prof. Meyer. She noted that the exhibition’s goals align with the University’s mission of social justice, recognising indigenous cultures and elders as keepers of knowledge, storytellers, custodians of language, and teachers of technique.

During the panel discussion, Maruping highlighted the fact that women often take up positions in male dominated industries, of which astronomy is one. She emphasised that despite often challenging, the rewards are greater. “Often, women enter jobs which are very male dominated, and the belief is that you need to act like a man to be able to succeed. But the truth is that as women, we need to stay true to ourselves. We must anchor ourselves within these spaces,” said Maruping.

SKA-Mid Telescope Director, Dr. Lindsay Magnus in his contribution stated that, “in recognising women’s wisdom and their role as custodians of culture, we also celebrate the voices that will inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and storytellers to follow in the footsteps of great women like Ouma Katrina”.

When asked what advice she would give to young women, Maruping added that “Women are generally very hesitant to enter male dominated spaces. Every time I’ve said yes to opportunities, it has helped me grow and it has made me braver”.

The Cosmic Echoes exhibition will remain on display at SPU in the Library Auditorium on Central Campus from 9 August to 13 September 2025, offering extended opportunities for engagement and public visitation.