An exhibition by Themba Shibase and curated by Zinhle Khumalo titled Push & Pull has just opened at The
KZNSA Gallery
Shibase’s solo exhibition forms part of the 2018 KZNSA Gallery’s Social
Art Programme. The exhibition is constituted of selected works from previous exhibitions
and new works by the Durban-based artist. In this exhibition, Shibase
consolidates a range of his thematic interests, predominantly his preoccupation
with visually exploring the interrelatedness of themes such as power,
masculinity and violence.
(“Uncle Bob
Meditating – In Peace, 2017”: Themba Shibase, oil on canvas)
Shibase’s work critically engages African patriarchal culture. Ideals of
authority, power and dominance have given rise to a society based on male
sexual entitlement and the abuse of women in the private realm, and dictatorial
violence and corruption in the public realm.
The medium of paint is at the centre of his visual exploration of the
aforementioned themes. Push & Pull
is concerned with two aspects: Firstly, the physical process of painting
itself, such as layering and de-layering of paint on the surface; and secondly,
the contradictory theoretical positions we hold in relation to the above-mentioned
themes but more specifically – power. The interrogation of how power is
perceived is critically explored through his paintings in relation to the contexts
of gender, sexuality and race politics.
Shibase is an activist, and his bracing, yet harsh critiquing of the
current shaky status quo is bound to make viewers question the premises upon
which South African identity and politics are based. In his work, things are
not what they appear to be, inviting viewers to engage critically with what
they see.
This project is made possible with funding from the Department of Arts
and Culture. Shibase will be hosting a Saturday Session on March 9 from 09h00
to 12h00 on The Process of Painting.
R200, includes materials and refreshments, book gallery@kznsagallery.co.za
(“Big Boy (Cyril),
2017”. Themba Shibase, oil on canvas)
Shibase was born in Port Shepstone in 1980 and currently lives and works
in Durban. He completed his Master of Fine Arts degree at the Durban University
of Technology (DUT) where he presently lectures in painting, drawing and art
theory, whilst pursuing his PhD.
Since 2005, Shibase has presented several solo exhibitions in Durban,
Johannesburg, Cape Town and New York. He was nominated as one of the finalists
for the MTN New Contemporaries Award in 2008 as well as the Spier Contemporary
Award in 2007. Recent group exhibitions include Harboring Histories at Durban Art Gallery, Us at Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) and New Spell at David Krut in New York. In 2014, Shibase featured in After 20 Years, 20 Artists at the KZNSA
Gallery, and he also took part in Dialogues
with Masters: Visual Perspectives on Two Decades of Democracy, curated by
Thembinkosi Goniwe as a special project for the FNB Joburg Art Fair. Shibase is
a member of various organisations, including the African Arts Centre and the
Arts for Human Rights Trust.
Push & Pull runs in The KZNSA
Gallery’s Main, Mezzanine and Media Galleries until March 10, 2019.
The KZNSA Gallery is situated at 166 Bulwer Road, Glenwood, in Durban.
More information on 031 277 1705, fax 031 201 8051 or cell 082 220 0368 or
visit www.kznsa.co.za
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