The Trojan horse embodies metaphors of deception, betrayal and subterfuge, its symbolic wings serving as a cautionary tale that echoes the legend of Icarus. This dual metaphor conveys the delicate balance between moderation and the perils of unchecked desire.

‘Dark Horse’ navigates the fragile space between hope and despair, deliberately evoking the complexities of our South African experience. By subverting the traditional heroic horse archetype in art history, this work challenges cultural biases and presents a counter-narrative of vulnerability.

The mechanical dark horse emerges as a layered metaphor, capturing the precarious essence of South Africa as a fragile home and the defining impact this has on our identities. Through playful irony, the work explores heroism and sabotage, reflecting the oscillation between hope and despair that defines our experiences as South Africans.

Jessica Bothma is a South African, Durban-based artist and writer. Bothma, who is currently pursuing her master's degree, has benefited from various apprenticeships and residencies that have refined her technical and conceptual skills. Her creative practice encompasses sculpture, drawing, and writing, exploring themes such as identity, memory, mythology, history, dreams, power dynamics, gender, environmental concerns and the symbolic potential of materials.

Bothma often employs humour and irony to subvert expectations and challenge social norms. Through her work, she navigates the complex relationships between people, place and culture in South Africa, inviting viewers to reflect on the multifaceted nature of humanity.