By Luyanda Mlaba
In a bid to help emerging artists with skills and methods to sustain themselves, Woza Moya Art Gallery in Hillcrest recently held an exhibition to showcase works by three emerging talents.
Curator, Nomfundo Khathi, says the art on display asks pivotal questions about our modern urban societies.
“The exhibition brings together artists whose works interrogate societal barriers that dictate visibility and worth,” Khathi explained.
One of the artists whose work is on exhibition is street photographer, Manelisi Nene. “By capturing the street life, I aim to showcase the progress made as it has been 31 years of democracy. I capture my images in black and white to highlight shadows and light which is the main theme of my work “uMthunzi noLanga” which translates to shadows and the sunlight,” he explained.
Masibulele Nako shared how her black and white or muted colour toned photographs explore the intersection of mental health and identity. “When capturing my subjects, I intentionally hide their faces which symbolises being unseen and unheard, this represents the struggles of many individuals who suffer in silence without being seen.”
Sinethemba Ndimande is the third of the three. “My work challenges traditional norms and forces self expression beyond oppressive societal structures. As much as I do a variety of art forms like painting, crocheting and printmaking, I believe that through my art – I spark critical thinking with my creativity,” explained Ndimande.
Those in attendance on opening day seemed to have enjoyed the creativity they saw.
