In a reflective exercise on the cyclical nature of history, artist Xander Ferreira deconstructs and reimagines it into objects of inspiring beauty. His work delves into iconography, exploring how symbolism is wielded in socio-political strategies. Through his satirical character Gazelle, a fictional "His Story" emerges—playfully critiquing cultural propaganda and examining how generational storytelling can shape self-proclaimed truths.

Postcards from Paradise reimagines South Africa’s nine provinces, established in 1994, as a performative, fictional commission by the government. This work draws inspiration from JH Pierneef’s iconic Station Panels, commissioned in 1929 to depict places of natural beauty and historical significance for the Johannesburg train station. Created during a time when South Africa was divided into four provinces under British Union rule, these panels later became emblematic of nationalist propaganda during apartheid. Ferreira seeks to transcend the shifting politics embedded in art by celebrating the enduring beauty of these works while forging a transformative new experience.

After visiting significant geographic sites in each province and composing fictional scenes, Ferreira embarked on a two-year collaboration with illustrator Llewellyn van Eeden. Employing an alternative lens of magic realism, the project weaves mythological and historical references into fantastical landscapes filled with symbolic elements of local fauna, flora, and culture. This layered scenography unpacks the continuous evolution of culture, challenging the notion of any singular or totalitarian ownership over it.