(Pic: “Taking Good Care of our Belongings” by Linga Diko)Works on paper executed in black draw together a group of artists at the African Art Centre.
In line with the Mission of The African Art Centre which is to promote the work of artists and crafters mainly from KwaZulu-Natal, but also from the other provinces in South Africa, to provide an outlet for exposing and selling art, the Centre is to mount a group exhibition of works by 11 artists.
The artists are Ezequiel Mabote, Gabisile Nkosi, George Msimang, Judas Mahlangu, Linga Diko, Malibongwe Shangase, Thabani Msomi, Mxolisi Sithole, Thulani Makhaye, Vukile Teyise and William Zulu. This exhibition of works on paper - all executed in black - draws together a group of both celebrated and up and coming artists working with a diverse range of processes and media. Spanning some 15 years to the present, the exhibition provides insight into the personal passages that each artist has experienced and recorded on paper.
Judas Mahlangu’s work illustrates his ability to achieve subtle effects by producing aquatints with a variety of grey gradients and atmospheric quality showing intricate detail on an intimate scale. Vukile Teyise, an artist currently working in Grahamstown, draws his inspiration from the values and cultural traditions of society around him with humour and sharp comment. Linga Diko’s work represents through delicate mark-making and subtle humour the struggles and hopes of people living under difficult conditions.
In the linocuts by late Gabisile Nkosi, we see the artist’s use of metaphors and symbolism as a way of sharing emotions and life experiences. Ezequiel Mabote’s works always offer an insight into his concern about the ways of the world. Malibongwe Shangase has emerged as a distinctive new voice who uses the medium of woodcut to describe everyday life in the townships and rural areas of KZN.
Local artist, Mxolisi Sithole, the youngest of the group, is a versatile young upcoming artist who through his work provides a narrative of everyday life of township dwellers. Highly skilled printmaker, William Zulu reflects on the challenges of life and the rights of all individuals. Two works, a lithograph and charcoal drawing by one of KZN’s finest artists, late George Msimang depicts the artist’s sense of humour and delicate use of line.
This exhibition of artworks by artists who have a strong academic background and others who are self taught, from both rural and urban areas will be supplemented with a collection of black and white craft items. Products include table linen, telephone wire woven baskets and beaded dolls.
Black on White runs at the African Art Centre at 94 Florida Road, Morningside, from January 27 to February 13. More information from the Director, Sharon Crampton on 031 312 3805 or email africanartcentre@afri-art.co.za
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