(Pic: “Kahle MaBhele” by Lalelani Mbehele)The African Art Centre will be joining the rest of South Africa in celebrating and commemorating the 2010 Soccer World Cup on South African soil by hosting a series of exhibitions and development programmes. To proficiently utilise this opportunity, young artists and crafters will be offered a platform to expose and market their work to the rest of the world.
Currently running at the African Art Centre is a group exhibition by two versatile young artists - Lalelani Mbhele and Bhekinkosi Gumbi. The aim is to generate interest in the creative expression associated with the upcoming soccer celebration and serve to unite both art lovers and soccer fans by filling galleries and museum in support of South African artists.
Bhekinkosi Gumbi is a young sculptor who hails from the rural Nongoma area in Zululand. This self-taught artist carves sculptures of high profile figures and celebrities either in plain or painted ‘Umganu’ indigenous wood. Although Gumbi still practises the traditional method of woodcarving, his work is characterised by the use of subtle humour and whit. Realistically rendered, his sculptures intimately communicate gestures and emotions associated with the subject matter’s stature or occupation.
Complementing the exhibition are large canvas works by Lalelani Mbhele, a young artist from Inanda Township in Durbanl. Lalelani, who works from his studio at the BAT Centre, has created a special series of paintings which reflect on his own versions and aspirations of the 2010 Soccer World Cup. His visual narrative undoubtedly draws the viewer to intimately engage with each painting; the soccer players are accentuated in colourful uniquely textured backgrounds. A captivating aspect of works are that the soccer players are all women dressed in traditional ‘Izidwaba’ (skirts) and ‘Izicholo’(Zulu hat) eager to showcase their soccer skills.
The titles of the paintings, for example Angisiyona Inkomo (I am not a cow) emphasise the complacent attitudes of his subject matter. Beautifully dressed women in traditional Zulu regalia are depicted eagerly engaged in soccer matches, enthusiastic to demonstrate their expertise in the game. The visual quality of the work, demonstrates the artists creative, innovative interpretation of the 2010 soccer event.
The exhibition runs until March 10 at the African Art Centre at 94 Florida Road, Morningside. More information from the Director, Sharon Crampton on 031 312 3804/5 or email africanartcentre@afri-art.co.za
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