(Wonder Mbambo - Ekwaluseni
2014)
The BAT Centre is currently hosting a group exhibition in
the Menzi Mchunu Art Gallery titled My
Reflections: Then and Now.
This exhibition comprises the work of Bat Centre resident
artists Wonder Mbambo, Sthenjwa Luthuli, Mlamuli Mkhwanazi, Mthobisi Maphumulo,
Xolile Mazibuko, Phumlani Nyawo, Sizwe Cele and Sbonelo Hlengwa and is aimed at
giving these artists a platform to reflect on their journey as practising
artists.
The exhibition is also a celebratory of their
accomplishments, not overlooking the role the Bat Centre has played in their
careers.
These artists are products of the Bat Centre’s AIR Programme
(Artists-in-action Residency Programme). AIR is a year-long skills development programme
which is aimed at identifying and developing the talent of young aspiring music
and visual artists.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal, University of Zululand and
the Durban University of Technology recognise the programme and enrol the
programme graduates who normally would not meet the required entry
requirements. On successful completion of the programme, the artists either
enrol with tertiary institutions and / or become professional artists and
entrepreneurs.
The BAT Centre has been offering this programme since 2002.
Every year 50 young artists are enrolled (25 music and 25 visual arts). Up to
the end of 2013, over 600 artists have participated in the programme and they
include extremely successful artists whose contribution to arts and culture is
immense.
This is apparent in most artists who are exhibiting. A
particular example is Wonder Mbambo. Born in 1989, he is a Durban based visual
artist from Kwa-Ngcolosi. Having started art as a hobby at the age of nine, he
says that he was encouraged by his mother to further explore art as a career. After
finishing High School, Mbambo received his first formal training through the
BAT Centre Artists in Residency (AIR) Programme. This then saw him soar as an
artist and he has participated in various art workshops and exhibited in
galleries nationally as well as in Bremen in Germany in 2012.
He works with charcoal, soft pastel and acrylic paint on
fabriano and canvas and his concept revolves around social realities, including
issues around body politics and stereotypes associated with men.
My Reflections: Then
and Now runs until December 12. The Bat Centre is situated at 45 Maritime
Place in the Small Craft Harbour. For more information contact Curator, Fortune
Bengu, on 031 332 0451, email: visualarts@batcentre.co.za
or visit www.batcentre.co.za
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