Umlando
Zubenathi Filana’s inspiration grows from reality, mystery and spirituality. In his body of work, he focuses on capturing cultural strength and relevance through Portraiture. He expresses the issues of individuality, identity and social conditioning within black societies.
His conceptual ideas are based on embracing melanin as an important substance in black culture and spirituality. “In our generation, we tend to ignore the obvious, our minds and social behavior are often captured by aspects of social media, western culture and stereotypes. Somehow, we tend to neglect our own realities, rather than embracing them.” In his work, Zubenathi portrays black and brown-skinned figures in Renaissance inspired techniques.
In most cases, he would use humid backgrounds, indoors or outdoors, to present his figures as the focal point rather than the scene itself. His works are mostly occupied by a peaceful and dreamlike atmosphere. Filana always aims to bring his audience into a spiritually enriching dimension.
Zubenathi Ayanda Filana, born in Keiskammahoek, Eastern Cape, is a visual artist currently based in Cape Town. Raised in a village with no formal art training, Filana exhibited a remarkable passion and talent for art, particularly in drawing and sketching, from a young age.
In 2015, he made a pivotal move to Cape Town and embarked on a transformative three-year journey, immersing himself in Professional Mosaic Art training at the esteemed Spier Arts Academy. Notably, in 2017, Filana distinguished himself as one of two outstanding Mosaic Apprentices, earning a sponsored European Cultural tour to Italy and Spain by the Spier Arts Trust.
The experience of collaborating and translating paintings into mosaics with various artists ignited a profound desire within Filana to further explore the realm of painting. Presently, he primarily engages with oil paint, drawing inspiration from classical oil painting techniques while infusing contemporary narratives into his work.
This unique fusion reflects his dedication to bridging traditional and contemporary artistic expressions, resulting in a distinctive and evocative body of work. His art often incorporates African symbolism, patterns, and motifs, paying homage to his cultural heritage. Filana’s artistic journey continues to evolve and captivate, promising an exciting future in the art world.
