Bergie - SOLD
Richard Mudariki (b 1985)
Bergie - 2016
Oil on canvas
80 x 70 cm
Signed and dated bottom right
Sold - 2016
In most surburbs of Cape Town, one encounters homeless people
frequently scavanging the streets with shopping trolleys - especially
on the collection days of garbage bins. They are commonly called
‘bergies’, a name which originates from the Afrikaans word ‘berg’
which means ‘mountain’, as historically, homeless people would
seek shelter on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town. This
painting shows a ‘bergie’ busy with his collection work, while at the
same time, enjoying a bottle of liqour. The ‘bergie’ in this image is
a stark reminder of our very unequal society.