Eunice ‘Tshidi’ Sefako

b.1962, Smithville, Free State; d.2021

Eunice ‘Tshidi’ Sefako was one of a small number of Black South African women artists that emerged in South Africa during the 1980s. She was associated with the Community Arts Project (CAP) where she excelled in painting, printing and ceramic sculpture. Sefako taught art for many years, initially in townships under CAP’s Children’s Art Programme, and later on, for many years, to kids with intellectual disabilities.

Education

1985–1987: Community Arts Project (CAP), Cape Town.
1990: Course for Cultural Workers (setting up Community-based arts organisations), Community Arts Project (CAP), Cape Town.

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

2022: When Rain Clouds Gather: Black South African Women Artists, 1940–2000, Norval Foundation, Cape Town.
2012: Uncontained: Opening the Community Arts Project archive, ArtB, Belville, Cape Town; Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town.

Group Exhibitions (International)

1990: Group Mural Painting, Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), London.

Publications

2020: Mario Pissarra, "The Community Arts Project: legacies and limitations of an arts centre," Third Text Africa 12 (August 2020): 33–53.
2013: Mario Pissarra, "Uncontained? The constraints of ahistoricism in the ‘opening’ of the Community Arts Project archive at the Centre for Humanities Research," Third Text Africa 3, no. 1 (November, 2013): 56–85.
2012: Heidi Grunebaum and Emile Maurice (eds), Uncontained: Opening the Community Arts Project archive, (Cape Town: Centre for Humanities Research, University of the Western Cape, 2012).
1989: Gavin Younge, Art of the South African Townships, (New York: Rizzoli, 1989)

Cultural Work & Employment

late 1980s, early 1990s: Children's Art Programme, Community Arts Project, Cape Town.
1995: ‘mural’ commission from CAPAB (later Artscape) to serve as a fire curtain for opera stage (with Trish de
Villers, Sophie Peters, Xolile Mtakatya, and Matshabalala Mkonto)
Set Painting, Artscape Theatre, Cape Town.
Art Teacher, Athlone School for the Blind, Cape Town.
Art teacher, Molenbeek Special Education School, Maitland, Cape Town.
Kim Karabo Makin

Kim Karabo Makin

b. Gaborone, Botswana, 1994. Lives and works between Gaborone and Cape Town.

Kim Karabo Makin is a multidisciplinary artist and her practice combines sculpture, sound and installation, with a research base and unique spatial awareness. Her work is informed by her multiculturalism — with particular attention to the role that context plays in identity formation. Kim Karabo Makin is a founding member of the Botswana Pavilion, an artist collective interrogating Botswana’s creative identity. 

Education

2019–present: Master of Fine Arts, Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, Cape Town. 
2018: Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts, Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.

Group exhibitions

2020: Home is where the art is, Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town.
2020: The Mutha_Ship Landing, Salt River, Cape Town.
2020: The Botswana Pavilion: Collective Ties, Pro Helvetia Johannesburg [online exhibition].
2020: Past Present Currents, presented by Re-Curators for Latitudes Art Fair [online exhibition]. 
2020: Michaelis Masters Showcase, RMB Turbine Art Fair [online exhibition]. 
2019: Graduate Exhibition, RMB Turbine Art Fair, Johannesburg.
2019: The Botswana Pavilion: Subjective Nationhood, Botswana National Art Gallery, Gaborone.
2019: The Botswana Pavilion: No Return, Gallery MOMO, Cape Town.
2019: Formally Known As, Association for Visual Arts Gallery, Cape Town.
2018: Grad Show 2018, Michaelis School of Fine Art, Cape Town.
2018: 2018 Absa L’Atelier, ABSA Art Gallery, Johannesburg.
2018: The Devil Loves When We Loathe Ourselves, 99 Loop Gallery, Cape Town.
2017: The changing realities in which we live at UCT, Molly Blackburn, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.
2015: Return to Sender, Centre for African Studies (CAS) Gallery, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.

Panels

2020: Moderator, Collective Ties: methods for creative and cultural exchange in the region, British Council, Johannesburg. 
2020: Panelist, Culture, Tourism and the New Narrative, World Bank Art Program. 

Reviews

2019: Mashabela, Khanya, Subjective Nationhood: ‘The Botswana Pavilion: No Return’ at Gallery MOMO.
2019: Fisher, Tyrone, Batswana Artists Exhibit Their Work at Gallery Momo in Cape Town.
2019: Art Meets TV, The Botswana Pavilion: No Return, YouTube.

Links

Jill Joubert

Jill Joubert

b. Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa, 1954. Lives in Cape Town

Jill Joubert is an artist, puppeteer and teacher. She is a former founding member of the Handspring Puppet Company and former principal of the Peter Clarke Art Centre (formerly the Frank Joubert Art Centre). Working predominately in wood, Jill Joubert displays an interest in sacred European and African Art as well as creation stories and folktales from around the world.

 

 

Education

2013: Master of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.
1991: Advanced Diploma in Fine Art, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.
1990: Honours degree in History of Arts, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.
1976: Bachelor of Arts, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.

Solo Exhibitions

2018: An Abandoned Saint and other Forgotten Stories, SMITH Studio, Cape Town.
2016: The Invasion by Stately Queens come to Rescue Princesses Trapped in Four Impenetrable Towers, SMITH Studio, Cape Town.
2014: Apple Girl, Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.

Group Exhibitions

2020: A Seadrift Of Songs, Re - Centering AfroAsia Project’s annual conference production, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.
2019: Memorials, Glen Carlou Wine Estate, Paarl, South Africa. 
2019: Self, Glen Carlou Wine Estate, Paarl, South Africa.
2019: And So The Stories Ran Away, Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town. 
2017: Beyond Binaries, ICC Essence Festival, Durban Art Gallery; KZNSA Gallery, Durban.
2009: Staff Exhibition, Frank Joubert Art Centre, Cape Town.
1995: Juggling with the Familiar, Centre for African Studies, UCT, Cape Town.
1992: Meditations, Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town.
1991: Keeping the Wrong Company, Woman’s Centre, Observatory.
1989: An Exhibition of Cape Town Puppeteers, Artscape Foyer, Cape Town.
1987: Exhibition of South African Puppetry, UNISA Gallery, Pretoria. 
1976: Touch Wood, Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town.
1974: Involvement, Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town.

Teaching

2020 - present: Teacher, The Joy of Drawing: Drawing for Beginners, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.
2019: Mentor, Michaelis School of Fine Art and Ruth Prowse School of Art, Cape Town.
2014 - 2016: Participant, The Warhorse Education Project and The Kickstarter Project, KZN; Johannesburg and the Free State.
2013 - present: Teacher, Creative Arts for Foundation Phase PGCE students, UCT Department of Education, Cape Town.
2013-2020 : Teacher, PGCE Foundation Phase students in Life Skills: Creative Arts, for the School of Education, University of Cape Town.
2013: Teacher, Working in wood, Michaelis School of Fine Art, Cape Town.
2010 - 2016: Puppetry, Net Vir Pret, Barrydale, Handspring Trust, South Africa.
2010 - 2015: Teacher, Ibhabhathane Project, Western Cape, Limpopo, KZN and Free State, South Africa.
1997 - 2009: Principal, Frank Joubert Centre, Cape Town.
1990 - 2007: Teacher, Visual Art and Design Method for FET, UCT Department of Education, Cape Town.
1984 - 1996: Art Teacher, Herzlia Middle and High School, Cape Town.
1977 - 1980: Art Teacher, Herzlia High School, Cape Town.

Press clips

Jill Joubert: Creating beauty on the stage is not just for adults, Cape Argus, 15 March 2016, p.18
Shaping visions inspired by the rich, red soil and soul of Limpopo, Business Day, 2 August 2018, p.8
Zeitz MOCAA hosts childrens exhibition, Weekend Argus, 21 December 2020. 

Writing

2020: Partnerships in Art Education in "Re: Researching Stories", a publication documenting the         children’s Exhibition, And So the Stories Ran Away at Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town.
2019: The Tale of  Mouse and The Stories That ran Away inspired by the children’s Exhibition, And So the Stories Ran Away at Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town.
2009: Public Sculpture, Statues and Memorials in Cape Town, Paarl, Barrydale and George, commissioned by the WCED, to support FET Visual Art and Design teachers in the Western Cape
2008: The Other Side of the Street, commissioned by WCED to support FET Focus Schools of the Arts, this package engaged with alternative teaching centres: Polly Street in Johannesburg, Rorke’s Drift in KZN and The Community Arts Project (CAP), in Cape Town.
2006: An Introduction to African Art, a book written for both GET and FET teachers related to the exhibition, Picasso and Africa, Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
2005: Art on our Doorstep: A Meeting of Two Cultures, a package for both GET and FET teachers to engage with the Iziko Old Townhouse exhibition of Dutch painting of the 1600’s and the San/Bushman exhibition at the Iziko Natural History Museum

Other

2015 - 2016:  Created and performed, The Tale of the Willow Pattern Plate, Rosebank Theatre, Cape Town; Barrydale and Magnet Theatre, Cape Town, South Africa.
2014: Co-created and performed, Bokele and the Sun, Rosebank Theatre and Fringe Festival, Cape Town, South Africa.
1995: Re-scripted, made puppets, performed and trained Afrikaans and Xhosa presenters, EDUMEDIA video (Western Cape Education Department).
1981 - 1983: Founder member, Handspring Puppet Company.
1997 - 2009: Co-founder, Ibhabhathane Project, South Africa.

Sindi-Leigh McBride, Jill Joubert’s Joyful Agency, (ASAI, 2019).

Mpumelelo Melane

b. 1962, New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Mpumelelo Melane is a sculptor, who carved wooden figures in his spare time while working in posts as a labourer. After receiving chisels and some career advice from a man called Tom Ungerer in the 1980s, Melane joined Imvaba Association, and later went to Cape Town, where he trained at the Community Arts Project (CAP). Melane’s sculptures are largely portraits and figurative representations of people.

Education

1990: Training Art Course for cultural workers, Community Arts Project, Cape Town.
1988: Imvaba Arts Association.
1980s: Fine Arts, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth (incomplete)

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

1992: Visual Arts Group travelling exhibition, Centre for African Studies, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.
1992: Grahamstown Arts Festival, Grahamstown.

Group Exhibitions (International)

1990: Touring exhibition, United Kingdom and Denmark.

Other

2003 - 2005: Art Facilitator, Siyaya Centre for Young Arts
1990: Delegate, Zabalaza Festival, London [Created mural at the Institute of Contemporary Arts with other South African delegates (among them Thami Jali, Sophie Peters, Louise Almon, Helen Sebidi).]

Links

https://www.facebook.com/mpumimelane/

Meshack Raphalalani

b. 1950, Venda, South Africa.

Raphalalani is a wood sculptor working in the Venda tradition, exhibiting both locally and abroad. Historical events, traditional ceremonies and rituals are recurring themes in his work. He was a founding member of The VhaVenda Arts Foundation.


 

 

 

Education

Venda Land Training Institution
1972: Art Method teaching, Ndaleni Educational Training Centre, KwaZulu-Natal.

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

2003: Contemporary Natural, Mukondeni Fine Arts Gallery, Johannesburg.
2003: Design-in Africa,, Mukondeni Fine Arts Gallery, Johannesburg.
1985: Tributaries, Africana Museum (now Museum Africa), Johannesburg.
1985: Exhibition, Venda Sun Hotel, Limpopo.
1972, 1978: Exhibitions, University of Fort Hare, Alice.

Group Exhibitions (International)

2015: Art Santa Fe, Sante Fe Convention Center, New Mexico, United States of America.

Workshops

2017: Roots, Woodcarving expo, Los Angeles, United States of America
2016: Transvisions in Wood, Karoo, South Africa.
2016: World Wood Day, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Awards

2015: First Prize, Arts and culture for a sustainable Future, Champion World Woodcarving competition, Durban.
2015: Winner, World Wood Day Foundation competition, California.
1986: First Prize, African Art Festival, University of Zululand, KwaZulu Natal.

Links

Wood sculptors with sustainability focus. Independant Online, 10 September 2015.

Thami Jali

b. 1955, Lamontville, Durban.
Thami Jali is a painter, ceramicist and printmaker. As an alumni of the Rorke’s Drift Art & Craft Centre, he helped to re-establish the ceramics studio for their 2004 re-opening. Jali’s subject matter is as broad as his skill set, engaging areas from political life, dreams and the surreal, to forms from nature. 


Education

1983 - 1984: Ceramics, Natal Technikon, KwaZulu-Natal.
1981 - 1982: Rorke's Drift Art & Craft Centre, Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Solo Exhibitions (South Africa)

2014: Restless Spirt, Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
2007: Transformation, BAT Centre - Menzi Mchunu Gallery, Durban.
1998: Ungqofo Ulalele, BAT Centre - Menzi Mchunu Gallery, Durban.

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

2014: Retroactive, KwaZulu-Natal Society of Art (KZNSA) Gallery, Durban.
2011: Three Parts More Harmony, Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
2011: Amandla, BAT Centre - Menzi Mchunu and Democratic Galleries, Durban.
2010: Amandla, Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
2009: A Known Heritage, Kizo Art Gallery, Umhlanga.
2004: InniBos Kunstefees, Nelspruit.
1995: Africus: Johannesburg Biennale ’95, Johannesburg
1995: 38 Essex Road, NSA Gallery, Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal
1994: National Arts Trust Exhibition, BAT Centre, Durban.
1992: Thupelo Workshop Exhibition, Federated Union of Black Artists (FUBA) Gallery, Johannesburg.
1991: Thupelo Workshop Exhibition, Federated Union of Black Artists (FUBA) Gallery, Johannesburg.
1990: Vulamehlo – Open Eye,  Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
1989: Five Friends, (Paul Sibisi, Mpolokeng Ramphomane, Sifiso kaMkame, Gordon Gabashane and Thami Jali), fka Natal Society of Art (NSA) Gallery, Durban.
1989: Objects of Utility, Federated Union of Black Artists (FUBA) Gallery, Johannesburg.
1988: Friends of Freedom, Federated Union of Black Artists (FUBA) Gallery, Johannesburg.
1980 - 1982: Festival of African Art, University of Zululand, Richards Bay.

Group Exhibitions (International)

1997: New Dehli Triennale, Lalit Kala Akademi, New Dehli.
1993: ART OMI, International Artists Workshop, New York.
1990: Art from South African Townships, Institute for Contemporary Arts, London.
1983: Art Communication, Indingilizi Gallery, Mbabane.

Workshops & Residencies

1997: Artist in Residence, Edgewood College, Wisconsin.
1990: Zabalaza Festival, Institute of Contemporary Art, London.

Awards

1982: First Prize - Sculpture, Festival of African Arts, University of Zululand, Richard's Bay.

Other

2017: Judge, PPC Imaginarium Awards, South Africa.
2004: Re-established the ceramics studio, Rorke's Drift Art & Craft Centre, Kwa-Zulu Natal.
2000: Ceramic tile project, Matsulu Art Centre, Mpumalanga. 
1991: Trustee, Community Mural Projects, Cultural Trust, Durban.
1987: Pottery and sculpture teacher, Mofolo Art Centre, Soweto.
1983 - 1984: Founder, Art Communications, Natal Technikon (now Durban University of Technology).

Public collections

Campbell Collection, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
Durban Art Gallery, Durban.
Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town.
Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg.
The Constitutional Court, Johannesburg.
University of Zululand, Richard's Bay.

Sithembiso Sangweni, Thami Jali, artist on a mission, (ASAI, 2018).
Thami Jali, Recalling Community Mural Projects, (ASAI, 2018).
Jenny Stretton, Thami Jali: Restless Spirit, (ASAI, 2018; originally published in 2014 by Durban Art Gallery).
Jenny Stretton, Thami Jali talks to curator Jenny Stretton about his vision for the future, (ASAI, 2018; originally published in 2014 by Durban Art Gallery).
Bren Brophy, Terry-Anne Stevenson reflects on an artistic life shared with Thami Jali, (ASAI, 2018; originally published in 2014 by Durban Art Gallery).
Witty Nyide, Directions to find Thami Jali (ASAI, 2018; originally published in 2014 by Durban Art Gallery).

Michael Barry

b. Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 1954.
Michael Barry is an artist and educator. He studied fine art at the University of Cape Town and is currently pursuing a PHD at Nelson Mandela University where he heads up the Department of Arts and Culture. Barry was an active member of the Imvaba Arts Association. He continues to be involved in numerous cultural development projects around Port Elizabeth. 

Art Education

2012: Masters, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth.
1981: Bachelor of Art, Fine Art, Michaelis School of Fine Art, Cape Town.
1985: Higher Degree, Education, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

2017: Just Painting, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum, Port Elizabeth.
2016: #TheVoices, National Arts Festival, Albany Museum, Grahamstown.
2015: Art State, Gallery NOKO, Port Elizabeth.
2014: Redefinition of the status quo – collector’s edition, Gallery NOKO, Port Elizabeth.
2013: Collective 2013, artSPACE Gallery, Durban.
2012: A4 Ideas, Boomtown, Port Elizabeth.
1981: Young South African Photographers, South African National Gallery, Cape Town.

Public Commissions

Route 67, Nelson Mandela Bay Arts Journey, Port Elizabeth.
2013: Kite boy and Skipping girls, Helenvale Urban Renewal Programme, Thusong Centre, Port Elizabeth.
The Sunday Times 100 year celebration public art work, Queenstown.

Links

Michael Barry's website

Patrick Bongoy

b. 1980, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, lives in Cape Town, South Africa.

Patrick Bongoy’s sculptural works use discarded materials, such as rubber and industrial packaging, reflecting on the degradation of the earth’s natural resources, and those directly affected by and forced to improvise within this continued destruction and pollution.

Artist Statement

My work speaks in response to the global reality of literal and figurative environmental pollution. This encompasses the entire spectrum from the erosion of economic viability for people, socio- cultural decay impacting on community and individual behaviour and natural rural and urban landscape.

I draw on the history of my roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as the irony of contemporary urban degradation masked as development.

Through the recovery of waste materials such as inner tubes from vehicle tyres, industrial packaging and textiles combined with my use of paint and African fabric, I repurpose and reinterpret what others discard. Beyond the intentional recycling element of this process, the visual concepts I explore surface a range of the pertinent issues. Additional sculpted objects are superimposed on these layered backgrounds, which I create as a foundational canvas. This is also a visual referencing of some of the many laborious tasks undertaken by women in my country, in order to make ends meet.

I try to understand how the deterioration of natural and urban settings mirrors the visible rotting, displayed in the behaviour and habits of the population. Deprivation evidently continues to recreate further misery and desperation.

Although my work reflects a kind of beauty, it also describes the destruction of a place and a people where ethical values have been poisoned or fallen away, infecting human morality and dignity. The aftermath of several violent conflicts has created a nightmarish atmosphere where people relive those moments in an extreme state of vulnerability and resignation to this state of affairs.

My painted figures, always in silhouette, with their deformed limbs and precarious stances, twist and turn in such spaces. They evoke a sense of uncontrolled or dynamic movement captured in a disjointed moment, as if their bodies are mid-execution of a questionable act.
However, the internal versus external appearances and perspectives – what is seen in contrast to what is understood, becomes the site of re-imagination and unforeseen possibilities.

Art Education

2009: Bachelor of Art (BA), Fine Art, Academy of Fine Arts, Kinshasa.
2005: State Diploma, Institute of Fine Arts, Kinshasa.

Solo Exhibitions (DR Congo and South Africa)

2019: Matter, Gallery MOMO, Johannesburg.
2019: Remains, Association of Visual Arts (AVA), Cape Town.
2017: Where are we? Where are we going?, EBONY/CURATED, Cape Town.
2012: BA Paper Collection, Cultural Center Muikka Theatre, Kinshasa
2012: BINGOTO, SADI collective space, Kinshasa.

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

2019: Tomorrow, there will be more of us, The Stellenbosch Triennale, Woodmill Lifestyle Centre, Stellenbosch.
2018: Feso: A Thorn In The Flesh, (with Ronald Muchatuta), EBONY/CURATED, Cape Town.
2018: Cape To Tehran, Gallery MOMO, Cape Town; Johannesburg.
2018: Summer Exhibition, EBONY/CURATED, Cape Town.
2017: EBONY/CURATED booth, Art Africa Fair, Cape Town.
2016: What is the matter, EBONY/CURATED, Cape Town.
2016: That Art Fair, Cape Town.
2015: EBONY/CURATED, Franschoek, Cape Town.
2015: Présence Congolaise, Alliance Française, Cape Town.
2013: Fashion show, Central library, Cape Town.

Group Exhibitions (International)

2019: Contemporary Istanbul Art Fair, THK Gallery, Istanbul.
2018: EXPO Chicago, (with Gallery MOMO), Chicago.
2017: 1:54 Contemporary African Art Fair, Nando’s & Spier Arts Trust, London.
2017: Feast Your Eyes, Nando’s UK, London.
2012: Plural Dimension, Center Wallonia-Brussels, Brussels.

Workshops and Performances

2013: Article 15, (performance with Maurice Mbikayi), Symposium, University of Cape Town.
2012: Paper clothing design and construction, BA Paper Collection, Cultural Center Muikka Theatre, Kinshasa.
2012: Volunteer, Creative workshop for disadvantaged children and child victims of war, Foundation Star of Congo (FONECO), SADI collective space, Kinshasa.
2012: Workshop, Westerly wind (with playwright & filmmaker Kap’s Kapambu), SADI collective space, Kinshasa.
2012: Photography Workshop, (with Roël Jacobs), Kinshasa Académie of Fine Art, Kinshasa.
2011: The awakening of consciousness, performance, 24 November street, Kinshasa
2011: Performance, (with SADI collective), SADI collective space, Kinshasa.
2011: Residency, SADI collective space, Kinshasa.

Collections

Nando's UK.
Nando's South Africa.
SADI Collectif, DR Congo.

Links

Profiles

EBONY/ CURATED
Nando's UK

Articles

Binwe Adebayo, 2020, In conversation with the acclaimed Congolese artist at Stellenbosch Triennale
Africanah, 2018, Patrick Bongoy, DRC

Titos Pelembe

b. 1988, Maputo Mozambique.

“Pelembe is amongst artists who have started to push the boundaries by manipulating and modelling clay in an innovative and interesting way. He transcends the craft label often attributed to African ceramics, by melding or combining his distinctive craftsmanship of the medium with artistic, multi-layered expression informed by the Mozambican cultural and artistic milieu.” Harun Harun, Visual Artist and Independent Curator

“The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place:
from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper,
from a passing shape, from a spider’s web.”
Pablo Picasso

Being invited to write about Titos Pelembe’s artwork in his first solo show “Trilho dos Sonhos” is a challenge when you live outside the country, and are unable to experience the artwork firsthand. It is however, indisputable that Pelembe is a talented young artist with a flair for expressing himself through clay. This is evidenced through his unique sculpture, which on occasion incorporates found materials, wood and metal. In order to gain a better appreciation of his art form, it is imperative to locate his work within the broader context of contemporary Mozambican arts and culture. Mozambique had two very vibrant periods; one after national independence, where the majority of artists were self-taught and another after the creation of the National School of Visual Arts in 1983. Pelembe belongs to the second period, which largely consists of the new generation of visual artists who received art training through the National Visual Arts School, in Maputo. This group has contributed significantly to the growth of contemporary Mozambican art by injecting new forms of expression. These young artists from Pelembe’s generation are experimenting with clay on a monumental scale. They include Lourenco Abner “Tsenane”, Nelson Joao Muianga “Muingane”, Celestino Bento Mondlane “Mudaulane”, Titos Pelembe and others.

Clay is a medium that is readily available and inexpensive in Mozambique, but it has mainly been used to express the traditional aesthetic. Pelembe is amongst artists who have started to push the boundaries by manipulating and modelling clay in an innovative and interesting way. He transcends the craft label often attributed to African ceramics, by melding or combining his distinctive craftsmanship of the medium with artistic, multi-layered expression informed by the Mozambican cultural and artistic milieu. His eloquent use of line and form imbues his art with a contemporary aesthetic that is simultaneously Mozambican yet global. The element of intricacy found in Makonde sculpture is present in his artworks. The richness of Pelembe’s works is expressed through the symbolism of clay’s earthiness and fragility, as well as strength, attained through firing. These are also characteristics that are reflected in our humanity and history. His sculptures also seem to make reference to our multi-faceted nature and idiosyncrasies as human beings – qualities that shape our personality, in the same way that each of his pieces has its own character. Such reference is made through three-dimensional forms, irregular and organic shapes where lines play a dual role as both contour and surface element. The attached pieces of wood of varying length and sizes, found objects or recycled materials lend dynamism to the expressive artworks.

Pelembe’s emotions, feelings and ideas are diverse and boundless. They come from everywhere, as Pablo Picasso said: The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape, from a spider’s web.
He is a very active practitioner who works hard to transform his dreams into the type of art presented in this exhibition. The artworks are well balanced, well composed and well executed, thereby conveying the strong messages that he wants to share with art lovers, art collectors and the community.

Proof of Pelembe’s versatility as an artist is the awards he has received over the years. In 2013, 2011 and 2009 he won prizes for sculpture and painting respectively, in the TDM Biennale. In 2008 he got two ceramic art prizes – one from FUNDAC and the other Expo Musart. In 2007 he received a prize for sculpture and ceramics as well as a special mention for painting. He has also explored comics, and received an award from the Instituto Camões in the same year. As a multi-disciplinary artist, Pelembe’s potential and talent is evident in his ceramic sculptures, which demonstrate an understanding of form and space. His masterful use of line is evident in artworks like Sculpture, 2013, an art installation, which consists of a combination of various materials, namely clay, wood, metal and recycled paper; Turbelencia da crise Economico Mundial, 2009; Disturbio mental, 2008; Gestos de fraternizacao, series, 2011 and the monumental sculpture Sasol, grafico de crescimento, 2012. He also uses various materials such as cement, stones, metal and in some instances adds paint. The mural O encanto da natureza is a wonderful exploration of mosaic and an interesting foray into public art.

In other media such as painting, drawing and watercolour, Titos Pelembe needs to spend more time experimenting in order to give us work that is on par with his ceramic sculptures, in terms of skill and quality. Some of his paintings that show promise in terms of technique, balance and composition include Magalie, 2009, mixed media; No fundo do mar, 2011, mixed media; Danca contemporanea, 2011, mixed media; Bairro dos Pescadores, 2011, mixed media; Vivencias, 2013, mixed media; Celebrando o pescado, 2013, mixed media; A busca do liquid precioso, 2013, mixed media and Novo dia, esperanca revitalizada, 2013, mixed media.

More can be said about Titos Pelembe’s artworks, but the best way to experience his unique approach to the art-making process, is to view the wonderful work displayed in the exhibition ”Trilho dos Sonhos”.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see. Edgar Degas

Congratulations Titos! I believe that the trail you are following will lead to the realisation of your dreams or goals.

I am inviting all of you to dream along with Titos Pelembe.

Harun Harun
Visual Artist and Independent Curator

Education

2012 Degree at the Higher Institute for Arts and Culture (ISArC), Maputo.
2010 Under graduate course in Ceramics and Pedagogical Training at the National School for Visual Arts (ENAV), Maputo, Mozambique.

Solo Exhibitions

2014 Trilho dos Sonhos, Maputo.

Group Exhibitions

2014 Creative Block - Gallery of Kulungwana - Maputo.
2013 Telecommunication of Mozambique Biennial, National Museum of Art, Maputo.
2012 Collective exhibition ” Line in form – form in line” , Gallery of Kulungwana - Maputo.
2012 ZIMOKAD, Cultural Art Dialogue Mozambique and Zimbabwe, National School for Visual Arts and Cultural Centre Franco Mozambicano, Maputo.
2012 Sasol Temane sculpture Site, Maputo.
2012 Collective exhibition Creative Block, The Netherlands
2011 Telecommunication of Mozambique Biennial, National Museum of Art, Maputo.
2011 Design and Production of trophies, Ministry of Civil Service, Maputo.
2011 Collective exhibition Creative Block, Finland.
2011 ICRH Sculpture - Maputo;
2009 Telecommunication of Mozambique Biennial, National Museum of Art, Maputo.
2009 Collective exhibition and workshop SADC CREATOR ( Botswana);
 - FUNDAC, Maputo
2008 Fund for Cultural and artistic Development
2008 National Museum of Art, Maputo.
2007 Cartoons, Instituto Camões, Maputo
2007 Alto Mae house of culture, Maputo
2006 [Cartoons], Instituto Camões, Maputo
2006 [5th anniversary of the Cultural Centre of the Mozambican Bank], Mozambican cultural centre, Maputo
2006 Fund for Cultural and artistic Development
2005 [30th anniversary of Mozambican Bank], Mozambican cultural centre, Maputo
2005 [Revelation Francophony], Franco-Mozambican Cultural Centre, Maputo

Awards

2011 2nd prize, Telecommunication of Mozambique Biennial, National Museum of Art, Maputo.
2009 3rd prize, Telecommunication of Mozambique Biennial, National Museum of Art, Maputo.
2009 Honourable mention, in Painting FUNDAC Malangatana award.
2008 1st prize, sculpture Fund for cultural and artistic development, Alberto Chissano prize.
2008 2nd prize, sculpture, National Museum of Art, Maputo.
2007 3rd prize, Cartoons Instituto Camões - Maputo.
2007 1st prize, sculpture and Honourable mention, painting in edition of the Discovery contest.
2006 3rd prize, Cartoons, Camões Institute - Maputo.
2006 1st and 2nd prize , commemorating the 5th anniversary of the Cultural Centre of the Mozambican Bank.
2006 Honourable mention, sculpture, Fund for cultural and artistic development.
2006 2nd prize, UNESCO Malaria poster.
2005 Honourable Mention 30th anniversary of Mozambican Bank.
2004 1st prize, Revelation Francophony Cultural Centre Mozambican Franco - Maputo.

Collections

Cultural Institute Mozambique, Germany
New Group of Communication and creative at Visual Arts Company

Celestino Mudaulane

b. 1972, Maputo Mozambique.

Mudaulane (Mondlane) produces innovative, often monumental ceramic sculptures as well as large, striking drawings. His works are highly imaginative, visualizing a world that mediates the material and the spiritual, the playful and the confrontational.

(Please note that this page is under construction)

Education

1997 Faculty of Fine Arts, Porto (workshop or internship)
1997 University of KwaZulu Natal (workshop or internship)
1994 Art Foundation, South Africa (workshop or internship)
1992 Completed ceramic course, National School of Visual Arts (ENAV), Maputo

Positions held

Founder member, Muvart
Member, Nucleo de Arte, Maputo
Lecturer in ceramics, design and drawing, National School of Visual Arts (ENAV), Maputo

Solo Exhibitions

1997 Núcleo de Arte, Maputo

Group Exhibitions (Mozambique)

2010 Ocupações Temporárias, Maputo
2006 Expo Arte Contemporanea, Museu Nacional de Arte, Maputo
2003 Quero conhecer-te África, Fortaleza de Maputo
2003 Bienal da TDM, Museu Nacional de Arte, Maputo
2003 Exposição Colectiva de Artes Plásticas, Instituto Camões, Maputo
2002 Exposição de Pintura, Desenho, Escultura e Cerâmica, Fundação Alberto Chissano, Maputo
2001 Bienal TDM, Museu Nacional de Arte, Maputo
2001 Contra a Violência Infantil, Centro Cultural Franco-Moçambicano, Maputo
2000 Plasticidades em Moçambique, Instituto Camões, Maputo
1999 Expo Annual Musart, Museu Nacional de Arte, Maputo
1993 2º Workshop, Escola Nacional de Artes Visuais, Maputo

Group Exhibitions (International)

2014 Celestino Mudaulane, Goncalo Mabunda, Mauro Pinto, Galeria 111, Lisbon, Portugal
2011 Idioma Comum, Fundação PLMJ, Lisbon, Portugal
2008 Arte Lisboa 08 - Feira de Arte Contemporânea, FIL, Lisbon, Portugal
2007 Muvart Nouva Africa, Antico Palazzo della Pretura di Castell ‘Arquato, Milan, Italy
2006 Arco’06 - Feira de Arte Contemporânea, Madrid, Spain
2006-08 Replica e Rebelda, travelling exhibition organized by the Camoes Institute
2004 Arte Lisboa 04, Lisbon, Portugal
1997 Exposição de Pintura e Cerâmica, Escola Secundária de Soares dos Reis, Porto, Portugal

Awards

2003 1º Prémio de Cerâmica, Bienal da TDM, Maputo
2003 Prémio de Consagração, Fundação Alberto Chissano, Maputo
1999 1º Prémio de Cerâmica, Expo Annual Musart, Maputo

Publications

2007 Muvart Nouva Africa, Antico Palazzo della Pretura di Castell ‘Arquato, Milan (catalogue/ brochure), Pedro Campos Costa (curator)
2006 Museu Nacional de Arte, Maputo Expo Arte Contemporanea (catalogue, international exhibition
2001 Bienal TDM (catalogue). Edited by Andre Salamao Mabjala and Ciro Pereira
1999 Expo Annual Musart. Museu Nacional de Arte.

Nirveda Alleck

b. 1975, Mauritius. Currently lives in Mauritius.

Nirveda Alleck is a multi-disciplinary artist who explores the psychology of human social life in public and personal spaces. In her paintings, she works with a combination of staged and studied portraiture, adding elements of fiction, or removing backdrops from otherwise hyperreal representations. In her three dimensional work, which studies a variety of objects and scenes, the centrality of human presence is always implied as a central point of interest.

Education

2012: Cultural Leadership Training, African Arts Institute, South African Centre for the Netherlands and Flanders, Cape Town.
2001: Master of Fine Art (MFA), Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow.
1997: Bachelor of Art in Fine Arts (Hons.), First Class, Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.

Solo Exhibitions (Mauritius)

2018: Divine Weapons, Imaaya Art Gallery, Vacoas-Phoenix.
2013: Select Works, Angsana Balaclava, Balaclava.
2012: Art Party, Henessy Park Hotel, Quatre Bornes.
2007: Présent Immobile, La Citadelle, Port Louis.
1998: Zilch And All, Max Boullé Gallery, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill.
2004: Duad, Max Boullé Gallery, Beau Bassin-Rose Hill.

Solo Exhibitions (International)

2019: Car, vois-tu, tu as droit d’être obscur, Cité internationale des arts Paris, Paris.

Group Exhibitions (Mauritius)

2016: Edge Effects, La Citadelle, Port Louis.
2016: Porlwi by Light, Company Garden, Port Louis.
2013: La Belle Peinture II, Phoenix le Halles, Port Louis.
2012: We Have Lost The Way, Port Louis.
2010: The Landing of the Dodos, public, Quatre Bornes.
2010: 200 Years after the Battle of Grand Port, Commemorative Exhibition, Mauritius.
2009: Indian Diaspora International Exhibition, Mauritius.
2008: INTERLACE - Drawing Connections between SA, Finland and Mauritius, IMAAYA Gallery, Vacoas-Phoenix.
2008: Imaaya Group Exhibition, Imaaya Gallery, Vacoas-Phoenix.
2008: Omada, Live video performance.
2007: Liberté D’expression, Right Now! Exhibition, IBL Gallery, Port Louis.
2007: International Women’s Exhibition, Mahatma Ghandi Institute Gallery, Moka.
2005: 2nd Triennale of Contemporary Art, Mauritius.
2005: Salon de Mai, Mahatma Ghandi Institute Gallery, Moka.

Group Exhibitions (international)

2019: Streams of Consciousness, Rencontres de Bamako -  Biennale Africaine de la photographie, National Museum of Mali, Bamako.
2017: Ethics in a World of Strangers: Nirveda Alleck and Eric van Hove, Richard Taittinger Gallery, New York City.
2017: Tous, des sang-meles, Musée d´art contemporain du Val-de-Marne MAC/Val, Paris.
2016: Dakar-Martigny: Hommage À La Biennale D’art Contemporain, Le Manoir, Matrigny.
2016: We the People, Casablanca Intrenational Biennale, Cassablanca.
2014: Des hommes, des mondes, College des Bernardins, Paris.
2014: Where are we now?, Marrakech Biennale Parallel projects, Marrakech.
2013: Origins of a new world tour, Made in India,  Reunion Island.
2013: Still Fighting Ignorance and Intellectual Perfidy, Ben Uri Gallery, London; Malmö Konsthall, Malmö.
2013: Art Warning the World, Klaus Guingand, online.
2012: One Colour Screening, La Cinematheque Quebequoise, Quebec.
2012: Dak'art African Contemporary Art Biennale, La Gare, Dakar.
2011: One Colour, Pfeister Gallery, Bornholm.
2011: To Africanize is to Civilize, Paris Photo OFF, Paris.
2011: Festival Africain d'Images Virtuelles Artistiques (FAIVA) Residency Exhibition, Center Soleil d'Afrique, Bamako.
2011: Migrant-C, FNB Joburg Art Fair, Johannesburg.
2011: One Minutes Africa Awards, Townhouse Gallery, Cairo.
2011: FOCUS11: Contemporary Art Africa, Art Basel, Basel.
2011: Open Studio, Omi International Art Centre, New York.
2011: One Minutes Video Africa, Bamako.
2010: African Renaissance, World Festival of Black Arts International, Dakar.
2010: La Foire des Mascareignes, Le Port, Reunion Island.
2010: Dak'art African Contemporary Art Biennale, La Gare, Dakar.
2009: The Réunion Island Biennale of Art, Design, Création, Numérique et Immatérielle, Reunion Island.
2009: Vieme Jeux de la Francophonie, Beirut.
2009: African Renaissance: Africa is Back, Pan-African Art Festival, multiple venues, Algiers.
2008: 10th year Anniversary Raffle, Greatmore Studios, Cape Town.
2008: House Games Triennale, Anna Ruth and Juho Jäppinen's apartment, Jyväskylä.
2008: Tulipamwe International Artists Exhibition, Goethe-Institut Namibia, Windhoek.
2007: International Urban Workshop Exhibition, Thupelo, Cape Town.
2006 - 2007: Femlink International Video Collage, shown at venues worldwide, including Cinematic Lab, Bandung; Foundation of Contemporary Art, Montevideo; Cyber Arts Night Vision Festival, Massachusetts; Espace Dialogos, Cachan; Centre Videofemmes, Quebec and many more.
2006: Resident Artists Exhibition, Bag Factory Artists studios, Johannesburg.
2005: The 2nd East Africa Art Biennale (EASTAB), Dar es Salaam.
2005: International Painters Exhibition, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishek Gallery, Bangalore.
2005: Tomorrow Land, 11th Triennale India, New Delhi.
2003: Pond, Cochrane Street, Glasgow.
2001: Diplomatic Immunity, Times Square Gallery, New York City.
1999: Glasgow Art Fair, St Georges Square, Glasgow.
1999: Interim Show, Glasgow School Of Art, Glasgow.
1998: 6th Seychelles Biennial Of Contemporary Art, National Gallery, Victoria.
1997: Graduate Exhibition, Michaelis School of Fine Art, Cape Town.
1997: Preface, Centre For African Studies Gallery, Cape Town; Association for Visual Arts (AVA) Gallery, Cape Town.

Video Works


2011: They spoke different tongues, 2 channel, 15:00.
2011: L’Offrande, 01:00, (nominated for One Minutes Africa Prize).
2011: one color, 03:00.
2011: The return, 02:00, (commissioned by One Minutes Africa).
2009: Ephemeral, 08:00.
2008: Omada, video performance with music and dance, 08:00.
2007: Tragedy of a swing and a chair, 02:00.
2007: Histories, documentary, (commissioned by Right Now! Association, Mauritius).
2006: Power, 20:00.
2006: Perfect Match, video performance.
2005: Ravinal Man, 17:00.
2004: Counter Currents, synchronised video work.
2001: Gist, video with installation.

Collections and Commissions

Porlwi by Light Festival of Contemporary Culture, Mauritus.
Ministry of Arts and Culture, Mauritius.
Azuri Radisson Blue, Mauritius.
Okombahe Community, Namibia.
Lalit Kala Akademi, India.
Reinsurance Consultants, Mauritius & South Africa.
Holcim Cements, Mauritius.
Shields Mural Project, Peugeot Centre, Scotland.
Church House, Bridgeton, Scotland.
UCATT (Workers Union) March Banner, Scotland.
Isle of Arran Distillers, Scotland.
J.D.Weatherspoons Ltd, Glasgow and Edinburgh Branches, Scotland.
Hannibal (historic documentary), Channel 5, Wark Clements Productions, Scotland.
Citigate, Scotland.
McCabe Contemporary Art (Cecily Getty), South Africa.
Independent Outdoor Media, South Africa.

Catalogues


2012: Dak’Art 2012: 10e`me Biennale de l’art africain contemporain, Secretariat general de la biennale des arts, Dakar.
2011: FNB Joburg Art Fair 2011, Cobi Laubuscagne (ed), ArtLogic: Johannesburg.
2011: Migrant C, Nirveda Alleck (curator), Johannesburg.
2011: Fanzines, Focus Contemporary African Art, Basel.
2010: Dak’art 2010: 9ème Biennale De L'art Africain Contemporain, Secrétariat général de la biennale des arts, Dakar.
2009: Biennale Arts Actuels, Ecole Supérieure des Beaux-Arts: Reunion Island.
2009: 2009 Francophonie Games, Beirut.
2009: African Renaissance: Africa is Back, 2nd Pan African Festival, Zéhira Yahi (Arts and Culture Department), Algiers.
2009: Indian Diaspora International, Mahatma Ghandi Institut, University of Mauritus, Moka.
2007: International Urban Workshop Exhibition, Thupelo, Cape Town.
2007: Présent Immobile, La Citadelle, Port Louis.
2007: Art in Mauritius, Hans Ramduth (author), MGI Publication, Moka.
2007: 1st Salon d’Ete, National Art Gallery, Port Louis.
2006: Bag Factory Residents Exhibition, Bag Factory Artist Studios, Johannesburg.
2005: Tomorrow Land, 11th Triennale India, New Delhi.
2005: The 2nd East Africa Art Biennale (EASTAB), Yves Goscinny (author), La Petite Gallerie, Dar es Salaam.
2001: Diplomatic Immunity, UKwithNY Festival, New York City.
1998: 24 Artworks by selected South African Artists, McCabe Gallery Publication, Cape Town.

Awards and Prizes


2012: Emma Award for Arts and Culture, Bank One, Mauritius.
2011: FNB Art Prize Finalist, FNB Joburg Art Fair, Johannesburg.
2011: 'One Minutes Africa' Nominee, Townhouse Gallery, Cairo.
2011: Francis J Greenburger Fellowship, Omi International Arts Centre, Ghent.
2011: Recipient, International Artist Scheme Grant, Ministry of Arts and Culture, Mauritius.
2010: Soleil d’Afrique Prize, Dak'art African Contemporary Art Biennale, Dakar.
2008: HIVOS Sponsorship, Tulipamwe International Artists Workshop and Exhibition, National Art Gallery of Namibia, Windhoek.
2004: Selected for ‘1er Fond D’Aide au Développement du Film’, Mauritius Film Development Corporation, Mauritius. 
1999: Postgraduate Scholarship, Glasgow School of Fine Art, Glasgow.
1998: Most Promising Young Artist Award, 6th Seychelles Biennial of Contemporary Art, National Gallery, Victoria.
1997: Dean’s Merit List, Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.
1994: Edward Louis Ladan Bursary used for undergraduate studies in fine art, Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, Cape Town.

Residencies and Workshops

2011: Soleil d’Afrique Residency, Centre Soleil d'Afrique, Bamako.
2011: Omi International Artists Residency, Art Omi, Ghent.
2011: One Minutes Africa workshop, Centre Soleil d'Afrique, Bamako.
2009: Biennale Arts Actuels Residency, Ecole Supérieure des Beaux-Arts, Reunion Island.
2009: Vieme Francophonie Games Painting Workshop, Beirut.
2009: Indian Diaspora International Workshop, Mahatma Ghandi Institut, Moka.
2008: Tulipamwe International Artists Workshop, Goethe Institut Namibia,Windhoek.
2007: Artist in Residence, Greatmore Studios, Cape Town.
2007: Thupelo International Workshop, Ruth Prowse School of Art, Cape Town.
2006: Artist in Residence, Bag Factor Artist Studios, Johannesburg.
2005: International Painters Camp, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishek, Bangalore.
2004: Scriptwriting workshop with Mama Keita, Mauritus Film Development Corporation, Vacoas-Phoenix.
2001 - 2002: Artist in Residence, St Patrick’s Primary School, Glasgow.

Other Projects

Chair, Arterial Network, Mauritius Chapter, Port Louis.
Co-ordinator, The Landing of The Dodos public art project, Quatre Bornes.
Project Leader, Migrant-C: Mauritius Indian Ocean Artists Collective, Mauritus.

Professional Experience

2013: Visiting Lecturer, Experimental Video, Visual Art and Digital Arts, University of Mauritius, Moka.
2012: One Day Create, Outdoor Creative Art Classes, Casela Nature Parks, Black River.
2012: Visiting Lecturer, Critical Issues on Contemporary Art, Mahatma Gandhi Institute, University of Mauritius, Moka.
2011: Arts Consultant, Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site, Port Louis District.
2008 - 2009: Lecturer, Mauritius Institute of Education, Moka.
2006: Visiting Lecturer, Painitng, Mahatma Gandhi Institute, University of Mauritius, Moka.
2004 - 2008: Education Officer, Ministry of Education and Human Resources, Vacoas-Phoenix.
1998-1999: Community Arts Teacher, Coatbrigde Community Centre, Glasgow.

Mambakwedza Mutasa

Mambakwedza Mutasa

b. Harare, 1974. Lives in Harare, Zimbabwe

Mambakwedza Mutasa’s sculptures, combining wood, stone and metal, reflect on a universal human spirituality and reference the political state of the African continent.

Motivations

Inspired by the creator to create, a sheep to the shepherd, an instrument to glorify his living word in the spirit of Jesus Christ , a mirror to his Godliness, as to bring consciousness of the presence of the present things.

Exhibitions (Zimbabwe)

2010: Summer Exhibition, Domboramwari Art Village, Epworth.
2005: Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), Harare.
2004: Baraka - Blessings of Life, sculptures and hanging constructions, (with the Mutasa brothers, Chenjerai and Mambakwedza), National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.
2004: Motion, navigating the past: The Harare Biennale 2004, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.
2003: Batapata, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.
2000: Exhibition, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.
2000: Exhibition, Innerspace Gallery, Harare.
1993 - 2003: Delta Gallery, Harare
1991 - 1999: The Annual Zimbabwe Heritage Exhibitions, National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.

Exhibitions (International)

2007: Cape 07, Cape Town.
2006: Dak’Art; Dakar.
2006: Movement: New Works in Progress by Visiting Artists,
Greatmore Studios, Cape Town.
2004: ArtHAUS, Accra.
2003: Miller Gallery, Spain.
2002: Sufhouse gallery, Canada.
2001 - 2003: Steve Gallery, United States.
2000: Sarenco Gallery, Italy.
1999: Kuona Workshop, Nairobi.
1999: Galerie Zvakanaka, Borne, The Netherlands.
1998: J. Lathan Gallery, Oakland.
1997: AIDS Exhibition, Australia.

Workshops & residencies

2007: Greatmore Studios, Cape Town.
2006: Greatmore Studios, Cape Town.
2004: Insaka International workshop, Livingstone.
2003: Atlantica.
1999: Batapata International Artists Workshop, Mutare.

Batapata international Artist Workshop, Boulton.
Kuona Workshop, Nairobi.
Zvakanaka Gallerie, Holland.
ArtHAUS international workshop, Accra.

Awards and Grants

2005: Elizabeth Greenshield Foundation award.
2002: Elizabeth Greenshield Foundation award.
2001: Commonwealth award, London.
1999: Elizabeth Greenshield Foundation award.
1998: High commendation, National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
1997: Award of Merit for Weldart, National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
1996: Award of Merit for Painting; Highly commended for Weldart; Award of Merit for Weldart, National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
1994: Highly commended for Graphic Art, National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
1994: Award of Merit for Metal (Weldart), National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

Publications

2013: Tony Mhonda, The Art of Recycling, The Herald, Oct 11.
2006: Dak’Art la Biennale de l'Art Africain Contemporain, [catalogue].
2005: Doreen Sibanda, Stone Sculpture: A Retrospective 1957-2004, [catalogue], Harare: Weaver Press.
2004: Celia Winter Irving; Raphael Chikukwa, Motion, navigating the past: The Harare Biennale 2004[catalogue], Harare: National Gallery of Zimbabwe.
2004: 25 year silver jubilee [catalogue] 2003: Batapata artists' workshop [catalogue] 2002: Commonwealth Awards [catalogue] 2000: Enrico Mascellanie Sarenco [art magazine] 1998: Delta Gallery [art magazine] No.12
1997: Heritage '97 [catalogue], National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.
1997: Decade of award winners [catalogue] 1996: Heritage '96 [catalogue], National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.
1995: Delta Gallery [art magazine] No.2
1994: Herald Newspaper, [art review].
1994: Heritage '94 [catalogue], National Gallery of Zimbabwe, Harare.
1994: The Chronicle Newspaper, [art review] Nov 18.
Isaac Nkululeko Makeleni

Isaac Nkululeko Makeleni

b.  Vasco, Cape Town, 1950; d. Nyanga East, Cape Town, 2008.

A self-taught sculptor and painter with a history of involvement in community arts initiatives, Makeleni’s creative works are rich in allusions to historical, political and cultural themes.

Education

Nyanga Public Primary and Higher Schools (completed Standard 5/ Grade 7).
Self-taught artist

Exhibitions

2013 Against the Grain, Iziko South African National Gallery. Curated by Mario Pissarra. Featured works "Together Forever"€, "€œTogether Forever II"€, "€œCross"€, "Mandela and de Klerk", "€œPrescribed..."€ and "€œFall of Nyanga Bush"€. Full-colour catalogue with essay on artist, published by ASAI.
2012 Siyakubona, Cape Gallery, Cape Town.
2011 A Natural Selection. 1991-2011, AVA. Curated by Clare Butcher. Featured work "€œPrescribed..."
2007 & Beyond Encryption, Cape Gallery.
2007 Africa South, AVA, Cape Town. Curated by Mario Pissarra. Featured work "€œPrescribed..."
2007 Exhibition to accompany international conference of Jungian psychologists, Cape Town International Conference Centre. Curated by Josie Grinrod and Kate Gottgens. Featured work "For Whom the Bell Tolls"€ purchased by the curator (Grinrod).
2007 Exhibition #1. Gill Alderman Gallery, Kenilworth. Featured work "Together Forever (II)"€
2006  Stop Crime awareness campaign, organised by City of Cape Town. Exhibition listed on artist'€™s CV, details not known
2005 Group exhibition, Zolani Centre, Nyanga. Sponsored by Old Mutual. Exhibition listed on artist'€™s CV, details not known.
2004 Masivuke ma Africa exhibition, Walter Teka School, Nyanga.
2004 Botaki. Old Mutual Asset Managers, Cape Town. Curated by Mario Pissarra. Featured work "Together Forever (II)"€. Small illustrated catalogue.
2002 Human Rights Media Centre, Athlone. Exhibition listed on artist’s CV, details not known.
2002-03 Exhibition for opening ceremony of ICC cricket World Cup. Exhibition listed on artist's CV, details not known.
2002 Umbono. Castle of Good Hope. Exhibition listed on artist'€™s CV, details not known.
2001 A Woman'€™s Journey. Philani Nutrition Project exhibition, Castle of Good Hope. Exhibition listed on artist'€™s CV, details not known.
1999 One City, Many Cultures Festival. Makeleni co-ordinated group of artists who painted six street signs in Guguletu, organised by Public Eye. See http://www.public-eye.co.za/99-p4.html Listed in Artthrob, with photograph of artist http://www.artthrob.co.za/99sept/listings.html
1999 Masivuke ma Africa Calendar Exhibition, Zolani Centre, Nyanga. Exhibition listed on artist's CV, details not known. (Unclear if same as 1997 entry for calendar exhibition at Zolani Centre, listed on another version of CV)
1998 Cape Town Arts Festival. Exhibition listed on artist's CV, details not known (unclear if same as above)
1998 Group exhibition, Zolani Centre, Nyanga. Exhibition listed on artist'€™s CV, details not known (unclear if linked to mosaic exterior of Zolani Centre, which Makeleni participated in).
1997 Engaging the Shadows exhibition-project, Robben Island Museum. Colour photograph of two dolls produced by the artist featured along with listing in Mail & Guardian 6 February 1997.
1996 Primart Gallery, Claremont, Cape Town.
1996: Wood panel workshop and exhibition, AVA. Panel sold to unknown buyer.
1996 Community projects exhibition, South African National Gallery. Exhibition listed on artist'€™s CV, details not known.
1995 Exhibited his first "€œBlack Doll"€ at Primart, Claremont.
1994 Twenty Pieces of wood, British Council, Cape Town. Exhibition listed on artist's CV, details not known.
1993 Irma Stern Museum, Cape Town. Exhibition listed on artist's CV, details not known.
1993 Exhibited crafts at Red Shed, V & A Waterfront, Cape Town, as part of Masizakhe co-operative.
1993 Safmarine House, Cape Town. Exhibition listed on artist'€™s CV, details not known.
1992-93 Made in Wood. South African National Gallery, Cape Town. Featured work "Sam Nujoma and Company"€. Catalogue includes b/w illustration of work and short biography.
1992 Visual Arts Group travelling exhibition at Zolani Centre, Nyanga; Uluntu Centre, Guguletu; Mayibuye Centre UWC; Centre for African Studies, UCT; and South African Association of Arts, Church Street. Featured several works, including "Mellow Yellow"€. Key role in running adult and childrens workshops at Zolani Centre.
1992 Mural painting exhibition- workshop, Baxter Theatre Gallery. Painted panel with Willie Bester and Vincent Silimela, purchased by Mayibuye Centre, UWC.
1991 [with Willie Bester and Ismael Thyssen], Gallery International, Cape Town. Featured several works, including "€œSam Nujoma and Company". Exhibition opened by Albie Sachs.
1991 Visual Arts Group travelling exhibition at Manenberg People's Centre; Zolani Centre, Nyanga; and Uluntu Centre, Guguletu. Featured several works including "Mandela and De Klerk": (Sold) and "Together Forever".
1987 Eye of the Artist, St Mary'€™s Church, Guguletu. Organised by CAP students
1986 Primart Gallery, Claremont

Collections

Iziko Museums ("€œSeven Vices"€).
University of the Western Cape.
William Humphrey's Art Gallery, Kimberly.

Publications

Martin, Marilyn et al (1992) Made in Wood: Work from the Western Cape. South African National Gallery, Cape Town. ISBN 1 874817 07 3
Pissarra, Mario (2004) Botaki. Old Mutual asset Managers, Pinelands. Available online (click here) 
Pissarra, Mario (2011) (ed.) Visual Century: South African art in context. Vol 3: 1973-92. Wits University Press, Johannesburg. ISBN 978 1 86814 526 3. Introduction online (includes discussion of Makeleni)

Pissarra, M (2013) Against the Grain. ASAI, Cape Town, 64 pp. ISBN
978 0 620 57044 2

Other

1990 -€“ c. 1993 Active member of Visual Arts Group Served on executive, including as chairperson.
c. 1992: Workshop for criminal offenders for Nicro, Mitchells plain. Run on behalf of Visual Arts Group.
c. 1992: Co-founder Masizakhe crafts co-operative.
1991: Member of Federation of South African Cultural Organisations (FOSACO) delegations in talks with the South African National Gallery, South African Association of Arts, and City of Cape Town, concerning the democratisation of para-statal cultural institutions.
Early 1980s: Founded Makeleni Arts & Crafts
Early 1980s: briefly associated with Nyanga Arts Centre and Community Arts Project

Links

Isaac Makheleni Obituary on Artthrob
Tyrone Appollis

Tyrone Appollis

b. Cape Town, 1957

Visual artist, musician and poet since the 1970s, Appollis works explore the interface between the challenges of the everyday and the limitlessness of the spirit and imagination.

Art Education

1978-1987: Mostly self-taught, part-time student at Community Arts Project.

Residencies

2004 Pro Helvetia Residency, Altes Spital, Solothurn, Switzerland.

1989 Toured Europe on British Council grant.

Exhibitions (solo)

2010 The Framery Gallery, Sea Point, Cape Town.

2008 These houses we live in, Irma Stern Museum, UCT, Cape Town.2006: Yesterday and Today, Sanlan Art Gallery, Bellville, Cape Town.

2001 No Apologies, Association for Visual Art, Cape Town.

1997 AVA, Cape Town.

1993 Karen McKerron Gallery, Johannesburg.

1992 Chelsea Gallery, Wynberg, Cape Town.

1988 South African Association of Art, Cape Town.

1982 Rocklands Library, Mitchells Plain, Cape Town.

Exhibitions (group)

2010 1910-2010: From Pierneef to Gugulective, Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town. International Museum Day, George Museum, George, South Africa.

2009 Precedents and Currents, Mayibuye Centre, UWC, Bellville, Cape Town. Decade, Sanlam Art Gallery, Bellville, Cape Town.

2007 africa south, AVA, Cape Town.

2006 Self portraits, Chelsea Gallery, Cape Town. Botaki 4, Old Mutual Asset Managers, Pinelands, Cape Town. Boland Kelder (with Garth Erasmus and Sophie Peters), Paarl.

2005 Botaki 2, OMAM; Botaki 3, OMAM, Cape Town.

2004 Arty milk cans, AVA, Cape Town.

2000 Itheko lokuza nethemba elitsha (A Celebration for Bringing New Hope), Bell-Roberts Fine Art Gallery, Cape Town.

1999 Post Cards from South Africa, Axis Gallery, New York.

1996 Cognizance, Ingqwalasela, Herkening., AVA, Cape Town.

1993 Salon Biennial, Grand Palais, Paris. I wish you well on your way (Tribute to John Muafangejo), Chelsea Gallery, Wynberg, Cape Town.

1991 Cape Town Triennial, South African National Gallery, Cape Town.

1990 Freedom Now, Conservatoire of Music, Windhoek, Namibia.

1989 Rahmen Gallerie (with Peter Clarke and Ishmael Thyssen), Langei, Germany.

1988 Artists against Apartheid, Luxurama Theatre, Wynberg, Cape Town.

Performances (poetry reading and music)

2010 Geroeste Musiek, Tyrone in Concert, Artscape, Athlone Civic Centre, Cape Town.

2009 Cape Town Book Fair (reading to children his new story The Silver Saxophone and The Magic Paintbrush), CTICC, Cape Town. Tyrone’s Geroeste Musiek, Voorkamer Fesival, Darling, Cape Town.

2008 Cape Town Book Fair, book launch, Train to Mitchells Plain, Cape Town. Poetry Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.

2007 Joe Schaffers and fellow musicians (with Tyrone Appollis and Boeta Katjie), District Six Museum, Cape Town.

Public collections

Iziko South African National Gallery, University of Cape Town, University of Western Cape; Western Cape Provincial Government; Durban Art Gallery; Pretoria Art Museum; South Africa House, London; Department of Education, South Africa; Groote Schuur Hospital; Constitutional Court of South Africa; SASOL and SANLAM.

Private collections

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, Judge Albie Sachs, former President Nelson Mandela and former President Thabo Mbeki.

Commissions

2007 Ingrid Jonker Memorial, Gordon’s Bay, Cape Town. Sunday Tmes Heritage Project.

2006 Woolworths bags, Cape Town.

2004 Mural painting, Bridgeville Primary School, Cape Town.

1998 J&B Metropolitan Horse Race poster.

1997 City of Cape Town (painting for Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s Freedom of the City).

1996 SA Gourmet Festival poster.

Publications (books, magazines, newspapers, videos and catalogues)

2010 Friends pitch in for jazz maestro cancer

2009 Cultural vagabond has his own flair, Cape Times, August 27. T Appollis, The Silver Saxophone, Cambridge University Press, Cape Town. Appollis & Maclay-Mayers, The Magic Paintbrush, Cambridge University Press, Cape Town. S Hundt (ed.), Decade, Sanlam Life Insurance, Bellville (exhibition catalogue).

2008 Tyrone Appollis, Train to Mitchells Plain, Tyrone Appollis, Cape Town. Appollis art exhibition, Cape Times, September 9.

2006 S Hundt (ed.), Tyrone Appollis-Today and yesterday, Sanlam Life Insurance, Bellville. Appollis presents a study of contradictions, Cape Argus, September 1. Mario Pissarra, Botaki Exhibition 4: Conversation with Tyrone Appollis, Old Mutual Asset Managers, Cape Town (exhibition catalogue).

2005 C Blum, Kapkunst/Cape Art: 12 Portraits of South African Artists, Murmann, Hamburg. Mario Pissarra, Botaki: Exhibition 2: Conversations with Sophie Peters, OMAM, Cape Town.

2004 M Darrol et. al, Art for Aids Orphans Auction, Paperpback, Cape Town. Mario Pissarra, Botaki: Conversations with South African artists, OMAM, Cape Town. The rights of a child, Kwela Books, Cape Town & Lemniscaat, Rotterdam.

2003 McGee and Voyiya, The Luggage is Still Labelled: Blackness in South african Art (dvd).

1993 M Martin et. al, Made in Wood: Work from the Western Cape, South African National Gallery, Cape Town.

1991 C Till et. al, Cape Town Triennial, Rembrandt van Rijn Art Foundation, Cape Town. Tribute Magazine. A Sitas, William Zungu-Xmas Story, Buchu Books, Cape Town.

1988 G Ogilvie, The Dictionary of South African Painters and Sculptors, Everard Read, Johannesburg. A Oliphant, Ten Years of Staffrider, Ravan Press, Johannesburg. R Rive, Emergency, David Philip Publishers, Claremont.

Links

Profile on Cape Gallery website

 

Train to Mitchells Plain Tyrone Appollis

2008. ISBN-13: 978-0620411387

 
Bold Strokes for the suffering Suzy Bell. Cape Times. 13 June 2012

 

Conversations with Tyrone Appollis [essay written for exhibition catalogue]

This essay was written for Botaki Exhibition 4: Conversations with Tyrone Appollis curated by Mario Pissarra for Old Mutual Asset Managers, Cape Town, 2005

Timothy Mafenuka

Timothy Mafenuka

Timothy Mafenuka (1966-2003) was born in Guguletu but raised in Tsomo in the Eastern Cape. He returned to live in Cape Town in 1982, settling soon after in Khayelitsha. Self-taught, Mafenuka’s imaginative art provides an enchanted view of the natural world, expressed through a creative use of materials.

Education

Self taught. Informally mentored by Xolile Mtakatya.
Several regional Thupelo Artists Workshops.

Exhibitions (solo)

2003 ‘Miracle of the Universe’, Greatmore Studios, Woodstock, Cape Town.
2003 DC Art, Cape Town
1992 Dorp Street Gallery, Stellenbosch, South Africa.

Exhibitions (group)

2007 Exhibition #1. Gill Alderman Gallery, Kenilworth.
2007 Exhibition to accompany international conference of Jungian psychologists, Cape Town International Conference Centre. Curated by Josie Grinrod and Kate Gottgens.
2004 ‘Botaki’, Old Mutual Asset Managers, Pinelands, Cape Town.
2001 ‘Imbizo-Gathering’, AVA, Cape Town.
2001 ‘Homecoming’, Gug’Sthebe, Langa, Cape Town.
2001 Alfred Mall Gallery, Waterfront, Cape Town.
1997 St. Stephen Church, Riebeeck Square, Cape Town.
1993 ‘Made in Wood: Work from the Western Cape’, South African National Gallery, Cape Town.
1992 Visual Arts Group, Mayibuye Centre, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa;
1992 Centre for African Studies, University of Cape Town.
1992 30 Sculptors from the Western Cape, US Gallery

Collections

South African National Gallery; numerous private collections in South Africa and abroad.

Commissions

Woolworths.

Publications

2013 Mario Pissarra, 'Against the Grain’, Cape Town : Africa South Art Initiative.
2004 Mario Pissarra, ‘Botaki: Conversations with Timothy Mafenuka’, Old Mutual Asset Managers, Cape Town.
2003 Martin, Proud et al (1993); Big Issue
1993 Martin, Marilyn; Proud, Hayden; et al, ‘Made in Wood: Work from the Western Cape’, South African National Gallery, Cape Town

Miracle of the Universe

© Mario Pissarra, 1/12/2005

Miracle of the Universe in the context of African sculpture

It is widely believed that South Africa and most of its neighbors have little of a wood sculpture “tradition” to compare in quality and interest with the rest of sub-Saharan Africa. Indeed it was only after the landmark exhibition “Tributaries” that South African wood sculptors really registered on the map. However while Tributaries redrew the boundaries for “sub-Saharan wood sculpture” it inadvertently created the impression that wood sculpture in South Africa was largely an isolated pocket of cultural expression (i.e. a phenomenon that, to the layperson, was defined ethnically and geographically as “Venda wood sculpture”).

There have been sporadic attempts to balance this position, by for example exhibitions at the SANG (Made in Wood: Work from the Western Cape) and in KZN (at DAG & the African Art Centre). However these efforts can be considered only moderately successful, in so far as some of South Africa’s finest wood sculptors continue to languish in the margins, while all of the wood sculptors represented in Tributaries have gone on to enjoy considerable opportunity and success. [1]

Miracle of the Universe in the context of the life and art of Timothy Mafenuka (1966-2003)

Born in Guguletu, Mafenuka spent much of his childhood in the rural village of Tsomo in the Eastern Cape where as a herd boy he carved wooden sticks and spoons. After completing his schooling he moved back to Cape Town (c.1982) to look for work. He worked as a fisherman in Namibia and the Eastern Cape, and as a chef at the Cape Sun. In Khayelitsha he came into contact with other local artists, notably Xolile Mtakatya, and by the early 90s he was working as a full-time artist. In the 90s he participated in several group exhibitions, including those of the Visual Arts Group. No less than five of his early works were selected by the SANG for its Made in Wood exhibition in 1992, and one was purchased for their permanent collection. A genuinely self-taught artist, Mafenuka’s qualities were recognised by the Thupelo Workshop who invited him to attend several regional workshops and one international one.

A dapper dresser with trademark pipe and brimmed hat, Mafenuka’s art differed from most of his contemporaries in that he used unorthodox materials that he often combined with wood (including shells, glass, sand, and rubber). However it was not only his lack of exposure to art education from NGO’s such as CAP, and his choice of materials that set him apart from of his contemporaries. Enchanted by the twin joys of life and the act of creation Mafenuka avoided the dominant themes of poverty and protest. In their place he developed a magical world of the imagination, ably expressed through his evocative imagery, striking use of materials, and (particularly in his prints and paintings) a vibrant use of colour.

As enterprising as he was innovative and resourceful Mafenuka’s lyrical mono-prints and smaller sculptures can still be found in small galleries across the Cape. He was also one of the few “St Georges Mall artists” who took a small shop for himself at the Pan-African Market. In recent years he held two solo shows, unfortunately both at low-key venues (DC Art, Cape Town; and according to his family another in Pietermaritzburg). When he fell ill last year a retrospective exhibition was organised on his behalf at Greatmore Studios.

Mafenuka’s crowning achievement as an artist has never been seen by a wide audience. His forte was wood sculpture, and c. 1992 he produced his first large totemic sculpture. In total he made only six of these. Three of them were bought by private collectors (from the UK, Japan, and Cyprus). Three remain in the collection of the family. The most ambitious of these is “Miracle of the Universe” which stands at over eight feet tall. That he knew he had created something special is not only evident in the title, but also in the fact that his signature appears no less than three times on the work!

Mario Pissarra 16 February 2004

Originally written as a motivation for the purchase of Miracle of the Universe by the South African National Gallery. The motivation was successful.

[1] With the tragic exception of Nelson Mukhuba

 

Thami Kiti

b. 1968, Machibini, Eastern Cape, South Africa; lives in Khayelitsha.

Thami Kiti moved to the informal settlement of Crossroads in the early 1980s, and presently lives in Khayelitsha. Kiti learned to carve at the Community Arts Project. His skilful carvings draw on his rural upbringing and Xhosa identity, and express deep respect for the natural environment and the medium of wood itself.

Biography

From the Against the Grain catalogue:

"Thami Kiti's works draw directly on his Xhosa culture, in particular, [the] frequently revisited theme of sacrifice that is associated with most significant ceremonies that mark rites of passage, such as initiation, birth, marriage and death. His strong interest in three-dimensional form and narrative is best seen in references to the [hybrid] female forms that he calls "goat women"... Kiti's "goat women" capture a transformative, liminal moment [that] is accentuated through the representation of movement...The [inclusion] of hybrid figures in Cries of Crossroads introduces the use of animal as metaphor for the human condition, whereas the dramatic interplay between goat and woman in several works [symbolizes] the interdependence between human and animal beings. In Kiti's animal sculptures this inter-relationship is more ambiguously handled..."

- Mario Pissarra.

Education

c. 1986 - 1995:  Part-time courses, Community Arts Project, Cape Town.

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

2017: Innibos Laeveld Nasionale Kunstefees craft competition, Mbombela.
2013-14: Against the Grain, Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town; Sanlam art Gallery, Cape Town.
2005: Encompass, Cape Gallery, Cape Town.
2001: Homecoming, Gug’Sthebe, Langa, Cape Town.
1997: Shadows of Robben Island, Robben Island, Cape Town.
1995: Thami Kiti, Wanini Hill Group Show, Irma Stern Museum, Cape Town.
1994: The Loft, Cape Town.
1994: Idasa Gallery, Cape Town.
1994: Wood panels, Association for Visual Arts Gallery, Cape Town.
1992: Made in Wood: work from the Western Cape, South African National Gallery, Cape Town.
1991: Sculptors of the Western Cape (organized by Andrew Steyn and Mario Sickle), Stellenbosch; Centre for African Studies, University of Cape Town.
1990: Ricky Dyaloyi, Billy Mandindi, Wanini Hill, Thami Kiti Group Show, Joseph Stone, Athlone, Cape Town.
1990: Vuyisane Mgijima, Timothy Mafenuka and Xolile Mtakatya, Thami Kiti Group Show, Cape of Good Hope Castle, Cape Town (with ).
c. 1986 – 1993: Annual Exhibitions, Community Arts Project, Cape Town.

Collections

University of the Western Cape (Community Arts Project Collection).
Private collections in South Africa, United States and Europe, notably the Ronnie Levitan Estate, Cape Town.

Publications

2013: Mario Pissarra, Against the Grain, Africa South Arts I,nitiative (ASAI) Cape Town

Awards

2017: First prize, Innibos Laeveld Nasionale Kunstefees craft competition, Mbombela, South Africa.
 
 

Other

2008 - 2011: Assistant puppet maker, Handspring Puppet Company.  

1996: Thapong International Artists Workshop, Gaborone, Botswana.

Sonya Rademeyer

b. 1964, Zimbabwe; Lives in Cape Town, South Africa.

Sonya Rademeyer explores the relationship between bodily empathy and vision through her use of non-traditional materials and video.

Arts Education

1996: Bachelor of Art (BA), Fine Art, Willem de Kooning Academy, Rotterdam.

Solo Exhibitions (SouthAfrica)

2019: All we need is a Conductor, North-West University Aardklop National Festival, North-West Province.
2019: The In-Between, Association of Visual Arts (AVA0 Gallery, Cape Town.
2011: Looking to See, Association of Visual Arts (AVA0 Gallery, Cape Town.
2009: not in a body of words, GUS Gallery, Stellenbosch.
2008: I am an African, Blank Projects, Cape Town.
2007: Babble, Association of Visual Arts (AVA) Gallery, Cape Town.
2005: Origin, Art-B Gallery, Cape Town.

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

2020: Art in Isolation, Imibala Gallery, Graaff-Reinet; Imibala Gallery, Somerset West.
2020: Virtual National Arts Festival, curated show and Fringe, Makhanda.
2019: Miss/Seen, Vrystaat Arts Festival, Bloemfontein.
2019: Dwell in Possibility, Centenary Art Gallery University of the Free State, Bloemfontein.
2019: Memory & Mapping FreeSpace, Zeitz Mocca, Cape Town.
2019: Admin, UNTITLED, Cape Town.
2019: #unfinished Vol 7, Youngblood Gallery, Cape Town.
2018: Forward? Forward! Forward… Stellenbosch University Museum, Stellenbosch.
2018: Humanity: Friend or Foe, Youngblood Africa Gallery, Cape Town.
2018: OPENLab 2018, University of the Free State, Richmond.
2018: Tankwa Artscape, Northern Cape.
2016: Stories of Rain, AVA Gallery, Cape Town.
2015: Workshops’ Showcase, Warren Editions, Cape Town.
2015: SILENCE: Artworks on Paper, Cape Town.
2014: Joburg Fringe, Aerial Empire, Johannesburg.
2012: Appeal, Guerilla Gallery, Johannesburg.
2010: Mother Nature: Art and Psychology in Conversation, Sasol Art Museum, Stellenbosch.
2009: Ceramics Exhibition, William Humphrey Art Gallery, Kimberley.
2007: Flesh, Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefes, Oudtshoorn; X-Cape 07, Cape Town; National Arts Festival, Grahamstown;Cultivaria Festival, Paarl.
2006: Dept of Science & Technology National Art Competition, Rust-en-Vrede Gallery, Cape Town.
2005: Vuleka, Art-B Gallery, Cape Town.
2005: Brett Kebble Art Awards, Cape Town.
2004: Exfoliate, Art-B Gallery, Cape Town.
2004: Vuleka, Art-B Gallery, Cape Town
2003: AVA Members' Exhibition, Asoociation for Visual Arts (AVA) Gallery.
2003: Brett Kebble Art Awards, Cape Town.
2003: Vuleka, Art-B Gallery, Cape Town.
2003: PPC Young Sculptors Awards, Pretoria, South Africa.
2001: Women's Work, Cape Town.
1998: Unity in Diversity Arts Festival, Good Hope Gallery, Cape Town.

Group Exhibitions (international)

2020: hello world, TransCulturalExchange (online), Boston.
2019: Contemporary Nature, Tankwa Artscape Residency Exhibition, Sfintu Gheorghe.
2019: Live drawing performance, Stroud Green Festival, London.
2018: OtherLands. OtherSounds, Raizvanguarda, Bordeiro.
2016: 15th Lessandra World Art Print Annual, Sophia.
2013: Happening Now, Mojo Gallery, Dubai.
2009: Tape exhibition, Arnhem, Netherlands
2009: 1st International Art & Science Festival, Patra.
2009: International Incheon Women Artistsâ Biennale, Korea.
2009: One World, Many Papers, Distillery Gallery, Boston.
2008: Dwayer, L'Atelier Dâ Alexandrie, Alexandria.
2008: Dak'Art, Dakar.
2007: Cent livre Objects pour Senghor, Maison de la Culture Douta Seck, Dakar.
2006 - 2007: Self Portrait - A Show for Bethlehem, Al Kahf Gallery, Palestine; Oficyna Art Space, Szezecin; International Contemporary Art Center, Naples; Museum of Contemporary Art Rosario, Rosario; Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Fe, Santa Fe.
2007: Fleiss East West Artists, Muzeul de Art, Satu Mare.
2006: The Abstract Mind Mural of Science & Industry, Chicago.
2006: Too much Freedom? Freewaves, 10th Biennale Festival of Film, Video and Experimental Media, Hammer Museum, Los Angeles.
2006: Ecartista 1st Annual Exhibition (online), Egypt.
2005: Imagining the Book, International Biennale, Alexandria.
2005: New York International Independent Film and Video Festival, New York.
2005: A Cross Cultural View of Women in the Arts, Also Castillo Gallery, Chicago.
2005: Art at War Exhibition, Aldo Castillo Gallery, Chicago.

Collections

Private collections:
South Africa, United Kingdom, Egypt

Public collections:
Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Alexandria.
Department of Science & Technology, South Africa.
International Contemporary Art Centre, Naples.

Awards

2007: Distinction, 3rd Edition International Artistic Documentaries.
2004: Winner, New Media, Vuleka, Art-B Gallery, Cape Town.
2003: Merit Award, PPC Young Sculptor Award.

Shepherd Mbanya

b. 1965, Bishop Lavis, Cape Town, South Africa; lives in Khayelitsha.

Shepherd Mbanya was born in Bishop Lavis on the northern outskirts of Cape Town, but was raised in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape. Mentored by Isaac Makeleni, Mbanya’s evocative sculptures and paintings use narrative forms to communicate his often critical views on contemporary issues.

Education

Sivuyile College of Education.
Mbanya is a largely self-taught artist.

Artist Statement

From the Against the Grain catalogue:

"Mbanya applies a range of visual idioms, often within the same work, ranging from the lifelike to the abstract, the literal to the conceptual... Mbanya is strongly invested in narrative as a means of articulating and communicating his views on contemporary issues. His position is often boldly critical of power and politics, giving voice to dispossessed communities whose visions of a brighter future remain clouded by unfulfilled promises."

- Mario Pissarra

Group Exhibitions (South Africa)

2013 - 2014: Against the Grain: Sculptors from the Cape, Iziko South African National Gallery and Sanlam Art Gallery, Cape Town.
2013: Invocation, The Cape Gallery, Cape Town.
2012: Siyakubona. The Cape Gallery, Cape Town.
2012: Turn Around Time: Annual Winter Solstice Exhibition, The Cape Gallery, Cape Town.
2011: 20 Years: Thami Mnyele Foundation, Thami Mnyele Foundation, Amsterdam.
2011: Continuum: Annual Winter Solstice Exhibition, The Cape Gallery, Cape Town.
2007: africa south, Association for Visual Arts, Cape Town.
2005: Encompass, Cape Gallery, Cape Town.
1996: Sculptors in Wood, Association for Visual Arts, Cape Town.
1992: Unidentified gallery, Stellenbosch.
1992 - 1993: Made in Wood: Work from the Western Cape, South African National Gallery, Cape Town.
1991: Visual Arts Group travelling exhibition, Zolani Centre, Nyanga East; Manenberg Peoples Centre and Uluntu Centre, Guguletu; Centre for African Studies, University of Cape Town.
1991: South African Association of Arts, Cape Town.

Collections

Iziko Museums of South Africa, Cape Town.
Thami Mnyele Foundation, Netherlands.
Sanlam Art Collection, Cape Town.

Publications

2013: Mario Pissarra, Against the Grain, Africa South Art Initiative (ASAI), Cape Town.
2003: Chris Ledochowski, Cape Flats Details, South African History Online, Cape Town.
1992: Made in Wood: Work from the Western Cape, South Africa National Gallery, Cape Town.

Residencies

1996: Residency, Thami Mnyele Foundation, Amsterdam.

Maurice Mbikayi

b. 1974, Kinshasa, DR Congo; lives in Cape Town, South Africa.
Maurice Mbikayi is a multimedia artist, working in sculpture, installation, performance and photography. Mbikayi skillfully integrates digital debris with political themes, foregrounding the problems of Africa’s continued exploitation for the progress of the global tech industry. By repurposing tech waste into sculpture, Mbikayi highlights the underbelly of ‘advancement’ – exploitation of Black mining labour, environmental damage and systemic health risks.