(Siyabonga Sikosana)
Recently
opened at the Tatham Art Gallery in Pietermaritzburg is No Place Like Home, an exhibition by Siyabonga Sikosana.
This
vibrant young artist, who comes from Willow Fountain in greater Pietermaritzburg,
has become well-known for his detailed and often humorous acrylic and oil
paintings of life in the semi-rural communities so familiar to him. His
canvases are alive with contrasts: romantic against realistic images, subtle
against pure colours, light against dark, near against far.
Often,
quirky comments are inserted in the form of signs at spaza shops or graffiti on
the walls of houses. Sometimes these are upside down, or imaginary. People are
busy with everyday activities, such as selling, washing, loitering, attending
celebrations or stealing electricity. The artist plays the role of a
non-judgmental observer who loves people. The spirit of Ubuntu is alive in his
work.
Siyabonga
is also well-known for his annual participation in Art in the Park, murals and
other commissions around the city, book illustrations and even video making. In
2011, he was one of the 12 artists who painted each other for an exhibition at
the Tatham Art Gallery called About Face.
No Place Like Home runs at the Tatham Art Gallery
until December 1. The Tatham is situated opposite the
Town Hall in Chief Albert Luthuli Street, Pietermaritzburg. More information on
033 392 2801.
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