Happy belated Africa Day!
Although this post is long overdue I find it rather ironic that I post it during a time of hostile debates on the role of art and galleries in a democratic state.
A Brent Murray artpiece depicted an image of the current South African president with his genitals exposed, igniting emotionally heightened conversations in all stratums of South African society.
This post is to celebrate my favourite artist and mention other great artists. I love Sam Nhlengethwa’s work and I also have a great appreciation for William Kentridge (SA) and Kay Hassan (SA).
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| Sam Nhlengethwa - Trio I |
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| William Kentridge - Felix in Exile |
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| Kay Hassan - Untitled |
And recently I’ve discovered Mary Sibande (SA), Kudzanai Chuirai (Zimbabwe), Sandra Hanekom (SA), Portus Ojomo (Nigeria) and Mbongeni Buthelezi (SA).
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| Mary Sibande - Queen Sophie |
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| Kudzanai Chuirai - State of the Nation series |
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| Sandra Hanekom - Harthuis I |
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| Portus Ojomo - Sea Goddess |
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| Mbongeni Buthelezi - Untitled |
Sam Nhlengethwa’s paintings capture the essence of South Africa’s subconscious existence without being abrasive.
“Sam’s work is always filled with energy, provenance and a sense of warmth”, says Sarah Buitendach (House & Leisure, Feb. 2011) - absolutely!
I have not been privileged to see majority of his work (not yet, atleast) however I must attest that I'm currently obsessed with the mine workers|mine trip series.
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| Sam Nhlengethwa - Inside the Cage |
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| Sam Nhlengethwa at his Benoni home |
I love how he has chosen to have Marco Cianfanelli’s sculpture next to the painting -great conversation there.
Before I knew about the above mentioned artists I've always walked the streets of our cities and have adored amazing artworks (painting), and still do. I say this because I acknowledge and recognize that there are so many great artists in Africa whose artwork may not be in galleries and commercial public platforms hence we need to build more galleries and encourage a culture of Africans collecting art. With the latter being said I hope that all my future posts that pertain to art will include ‘unknown’ artists from all-over Africa. –Can’t Wait!
My Esther Mahlangu feature for this post –Thandi Sibisi
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| Thandi Sibisi at the gallery opening |
16 February 2012, Thandi Sibisi made her way to the history books of South Africa as the first black female gallery owner. At the age of 25, she opened the doors of SIBISI gallery in the uber Melrose Arch precinct. On a personal level I believe it’s quite an outstanding honour for all African females as we still face numerous challenges, some countries more complex than others.
Born in KwaZulu Natal midlands to cattle farmers, she had never seen a double-storey building until she arrived in Johannesburg at the age of 17, 8 years ago. She should be an inspiration to many young and old individuals
…And did I say…she has the most stylish penthouse in Johannesburg's CBD (Newtown) and a wardrobe every girl dreams of. On the opening night she wore a designer dress with a colossal isicholo -traditional Zulu hat, a great tribute to her culture.
“Color is a means of communications because it is a language that is understood around the world” - Emmanuel Mawuko Arkutu, Ghana
