“Ukuphucuzeka”, acrylic on paper by Clive Sithole)The BAT Centre is to host a solo exhibition of ceramics and paintings by Clive Sithole in the Menzi Mchunu Gallery from February 9.
From moulding award-winning ceramics to painting edgy conceptual paintings, the artist has titled his exhibition Ukuphuca (to scrape off / to takeout). This word is also used when one is shaving which brings irony to his concept. The work Ukuphucuzeka (civilisation) questions Beauty in an African Context.
Clive Sithole is an internationally well-known ceramicist. Since 1997, his prominence led to an invitation to attend ceramic classes at the Babumbi Clay Project, a ceramics project which helped enhance his career in the art industry.
He was born in Soweto, Gauteng, where he developed love of fashion Design. He attended the London International School of Fashion Design in Johannesburg and established a fashion business. After relocating to Durban he developed a career in ceramics.
Combining ceramics and painting, Clive Sithole expresses anarchic identity in a society predisposed by hybridity. His concerns are expressed using edgy sketchily yet raw painting. The exhibition questions Black women in a modern society and their perception of beauty. He believes that this perception of beauty leaves Black women in a vacuum in which they lack self-pride so they create appropriate masks.
“I like to paint on brown paper because of its natural texture and colour,” explains Clive Sithole. He argues how can one be proud of what they are not? “Has anyone come across a bull with feathers? A bull is comfortable in its own skin” is one of the issues he raises.
Curated by Nomusa Mtshali, Ukuphuca will be opened officially by Anthea Martin on February 9 at 18h00 and runs until March 11. The BAT Centre is situated in the Small Crafts Harbour and can be approached via the road running past the Point Yacht Club, parallel to the Embankment. More information on 031 332 0451.
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