ARTIST STATEMENT
Lighting up each canvas with explosions immaculately placed in the death of the moment, Guto Bussab returns with another unbounded exhibition:
Dead Moment.
From Brazil to South Africa, missing the South-South paradigm that weaves like a tapestry through Bussab’s work is nearly impossible. Bussab’s work naturally reflects his nearly three decades as a rounded creative in the South African creative scene. Having made a global name for himself, Bussab has had an extensive career in various art forms, including fine art, photography, installations, filmmaking, directing, cinematography, and performance.
His works, which have continually encapsulated a retrospective and decolonial journey, are highly regarded and have been known to bring to light many significant issues. For this reason, each stroke of Bussab’s brush and each lens shutter serves as a medium to raise awareness and spark discussions surrounding these topics.
Bussab’s works go beyond capturing the subjects — his work also delves into the tension of similarity between the issues facing South/South countries, such as identity, gender politics, and self-making.
One of the most striking features of Bussab’s photography is his deliberate strategy to draw the lens towards various forms and manifestations of the gaze. Bussab shines a light on the white, masculine, LGBTI manifestations and reactions to the gazes. Since his works are tonally consistent, a clear sense of unease is evident in his art.
Bussab’s works go beyond just capturing beauty and explore decolonial thinking using a self-made vocabulary. His art is not only a reflection of his personal views but also stimulates conversations about important social issues that affect society.
Words by Thandolwethu Gulwa
