ARTIST STATEMENT
My Left Hand Is My Son
By Nolan Stevens
The latest body of work by abstract artist Sibusiso Ngwazi, produced during his residency at the Asisebenze Art Atelier (AAA) in Johannesburg, is a compelling collection titled My Left Hand Is My Son. Created on recycled paper and canvas, the collection engages viewers with two unexpected elements: first, an unforeseen aesthetic, and second, a profound intellectual idea rarely explored in contemporary art.
Inspired by a father’s yearning for his child, this work stems from Ngwazi’s separation from his six-year-old son due to the long hours he dedicates to his craft. Reflecting on the moments they shared in the studio, Ngwazi recalls the joy and spontaneity of their interactions.
Much of the mark-making in this collection draws from what he describes as “childlike strokes”—bold, unguarded, and confident. These strokes aim to capture the creative purity embodied in his son’s drawings, achieving a spontaneity that is both unplanned and whimsically unexpected.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Mona Lisa - The art of Upcycling
From figurative and representational to complete abstract, creating and innovating fine art in multidisplinary styles and techniques.
Much emphasis is placed on experimentation with used (waste) and new materials and mediums, whilst always striving to be unique.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
I was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and from a young age showed a keen visual interest in the world around me, encouraged by a strong artistic flair that runs through my family.
While studying the history of art, I was fascinated and inspired by the French Impressionist movement from the 1870’s, and the unique characteristics they introduced into their work - not least the accurate depiction of light and its changing qualities.
Following my studies at (NKA) the Nelson Mandela University in art, photography and graphic design, I pursued a long and successful career in the advertising industry. The variation and creativity of visual material and ideas required in this profession, has certainly influenced my painting and photography significantly. From figurative and representational styles to complete abstract, I create and innovate art in multidisciplinary techniques. Much emphasis is placed on experimentation with used (waste) and new materials and mediums whilst always striving to be relevant and unique. One of my main objectives is to achieve an exceptional standard for myself and my art audience / buyers, who appreciate a high level of creativity and quality in fine art.
To keep a purity and traditional thread in my work (not to mention the enjoyment and challenge) I still regularly paint directly outdoors, ‘en plein air’, to effectively and spontaneously capture a scene with its own particular colours and light at the time. Landscapes dominate my subject matter in this discipline through my love of the outdoors and the beauty in nature - acrylic paint is the main medium I work in for ‘en plain air’ painting.
As with painting, the art of photography holds a special appeal and interest for me. Truly understanding composition, imagery, light and timing are key to mastering this magnificent medium. Capturing that key, fleeting moment on camera is the most challenging and rewarding achievement, for me.
“You don’t make a photograph just with a camera. You bring the act of photography to all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved”. Ansel Adams.
Success I believe is achieving a timelessness in my work, and one in which the collectors and owners of my art pieces never tire of the visual enjoyment experienced.
As a multidisciplinary artist, my different styles and techniques are divided into four brands.
Gavin Larkin / Dushana / Neil / Nivag
I am based in Cape Town, South Africa, and have been practicing as a professional artist for the past three years. At least seventy percent of my work sold to date, through galleries and direct commissions, have been to overseas buyers.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Football is a universal language that can traverse any barrier, and when used with intention and purpose, can be a powerful and effective tool for social change and community empowerment. In Hout Bay, we use football to unite, uplift, and inspire our community. To inspire our players to be the very best that they can be, both on and off the field. Through this exhibition, we celebrate our brothers and sisters who have trailblazed the pathway we strive to follow. True Icons who saw football’s greatest potential.
The Football For Good project is used to raise funds in support of HBUFC and its many projects and beneficiaries. The goal of the artwork is to showcase legendary footballers who have used the power of the beautiful game for the greater good. We hope to inspire our players to follow in their footsteps. You can support the #FOOTBALLFORGOOD campaign by purchasing any of our artwork as a rolled poster.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
We use football as a catalyst to stimulate social change. To unite, uplift, and bring pride to our community.
Football is just the beginning… We are bigger than a game.
Operating as a charity, our reach grows far beyond the field – success for us is not just about trophies. It is about the number of jobs that we can create, the number of community programmes we can run, and the number of children we can feed… It’s about a community of well-rounded moral citizens giving back and continuing to build a better future together.
We’re a Community, not a Club.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Based in the vibrant city of Cape Town, my work embodies the dynamic contrast of light and shadow, much like the diverse landscapes that surround me. Specialising in impressionist oil paintings my canvases burst with life, showcasing landscapes that evoke a sense of wonder and abstract works that challenge perception.
My pieces are an intimate dance of colors and textures, achieved through the thick, buttery application of oil paints, intertwined with the delicate intricacies of acrylics and oil pastels. This unique combination allows me to sculpt layers upon layers, each one a testament to the hidden depths of living. My technique involves not just the application of color, but the deliberate layering, revealing the raw, uncharted territories beneath. This process of adding and subtracting, concealing, and unveiling, mirrors the complex nature of emotions.
My extensive background in communication, psychology, and people development deeply informs my artistic vision. I see my works as woven tapestries: intricate and complex, reflecting the multifaceted relationships we navigate daily. The impressionist energy of my landscapes and the ethereal abstraction of my mixed-media pieces are a call to the viewer to look beyond the surface, to explore the labyrinth of layers that compose our perceptions and experiences.
My art is an invitation to delve into the chaos, find clarity in the abstract, and discover the myriad of stories hidden within each stroke. It is an exploration of possibility, a journey through the tactile and the emotional, where every glance offers a new perspective, a new interpretation uniquely tailored to the viewer’s lens. In this way, my work is a dialogue, ever-evolving and infinitely varied, echoing the endless nuances of human connection.
ARTIST STATEMENT
A journey is an adventure or a process of traveling from one place to another, often with a specific purpose or goal in mind. It can involve physical travel, such as a road trip or a backpacking expedition, but it can also refer to an inner journey of personal growth and self-discovery. Journeys can take many forms and can vary in duration, intensity, and significance. Physical journeys are often associated with exploration, adventure, and the discovery of new places. They can be short trips or long expeditions that span across continents or even circumnavigate the globe. Physical journeys allow individuals to experience different cultures, landscapes, and people, broadening their horizons and deepening their understanding of the world.
On the other hand, inner journeys focus on the personal transformation and development of an individual. These journeys may not involve physical movement but rather represent an emotional or psychological exploration. Inner journeys can be triggered by significant life events, such as a loss, a change in career, or a desire for self-improvement. They often involve introspection, self-reflection, and a search for meaning or purpose.
Journeys can be challenging and may require individuals to step out of their comfort zones. They often involve facing obstacles, overcoming adversity, and adapting to new circumstances. Through these challenges, individuals can develop resilience, self-reliance, and a greater sense of their own capabilities.
The concept of a journey is deeply embedded in literature, mythology, and storytelling. Hero’s journeys, for example, are recurring narrative patterns in which a protagonist embarks on an adventure, faces trials and tribulations, and ultimately returns transformed and enriched by their experiences.
Journeys can have a profound impact on individuals, shaping their perspectives, beliefs, and values. They can provide opportunities for self-discovery, personal growth, and the exploration of new possibilities. Whether physical or inner, a journey is often seen as a metaphor for life itself, with its ups and downs, challenges, and rewards. Yes, art often serves as a powerful medium for storytelling and self-expression, drawing inspiration from various life events and personal journeys. Artists, whether they are writers, painters, musicians, or performers, often find inspiration in their own experiences, emotions, and observations of the world around them. Life events, both significant and everyday moments, can become the catalysts for artistic creation.
They may include personal triumphs and achievements, heartbreaks and losses, moments of joy and love, or even struggles and challenges. Artists often channel their emotions, thoughts, and perspectives into their work, creating narratives that resonate with others and evoke a range of emotions.
Artistic representations of life journeys can take many forms. In literature, authors may write autobiographical novels or memoirs that chronicle their personal experiences and reflections. Painters may depict scenes from their travels or inner struggles through their artwork, capturing the essence of their journeys on canvas. Musicians may compose songs that tell stories of personal transformation or societal issues they have encountered.
These artistic journeys often provide a window into the human condition, offering insights, inspiration, and empathy. They allow artists to connect with their audience on a deeper level by sharing their unique perspectives and inviting others to embark on their own journeys of understanding and self-discovery.
Furthermore, art can serve as a therapeutic outlet for artists, helping them make sense of their experiences, heal from emotional wounds, or find solace and catharsis. By transforming their life events into artistic creations, artists are able to not only express themselves but also connect with others who may have had similar experiences or resonate with the themes explored.
In summary, art as a storyteller from a life journey draws inspiration from different life events, allowing artists to share their experiences, emotions, and perspectives with the world. It serves as a medium of self-expression, connection, and exploration, offering both artists and audiences a deeper understanding of the human experience.
ARTIST STATEMENT
ISINTU
Origins: from the isiXhosa/isiZulu word, that describes ones “essence.”
ISINTU IS AN AFRO-SCI-FI ART MOVEMENT THAT SEEKS TO RECONNECT WITH AND CELEBRATE INDIGENOUS AFRICAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
As a commercial artist with a renowned advertising and design background, Viwe Mfaku’s unique perspective is shaped by his close proximity to nature and community in his hometown of Butterworth, Eastern Cape. His keen observation skills, honed through a lifetime spent as an observer, have led him to trailblaze through the advertising industry. Mfaku’s artistic focus is now on initiating new conversations about the potential of the art industry for Africa and its people. His work challenges Western ideals that have influenced African traditions, opening up a fresh dialogue about Africa’s place in the digital future.
Through his art, Mfaku explores the dreams and visions of Africanness as a manifestation of divine grace. He celebrates the beauty and strength of African bodies, countering the narrow view that they are merely vessels for labor. His work invites viewers to reimagine a future that emerges from a dystopian past. Mfaku’s artistic journey is marked by a profound respect for the human form. His work celebrates the unique characteristics and beauty of African bodies, challenging stereotypes and empowering individuals to embrace their cultural heritage. With a unique blend of traditional and contemporary influences, Mfaku’s art explores the intersection of the past and the future, offering a glimpse into the potential of a reimagined Africa. His work is a testament to the power of art to inspire, challenge, and transform society.
ARTIST STATEMENT
it’s not black - the Initial title was supposed to be “I kidnapped Rothko“ . in essence escaping my traditional Instinct of expressing myself through figurative art. These are daily scenes simplified to complementary shades of what may first appear to be black. As you get closer and the light reflects differently the shades do the same. What was once seen as just black is now more than that.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Mthetho Sono is a Cape Town/Johannesburg based visual artist ,he studied fine arts at UCT,Michaelis
School of Fine arts and hasn’t looked back since. His work is a mixed media balance of traditional art
elements and contemporary art movements. using a combination of form and subjective use of color to
create an exciting composition and narratives. Mthetho’s work covers themes and narratives of the human condition,spirituality and stories. The human condition is something we all suffer from as humans of a society like stress,anxiety,greed,betrayal. Including the mental spaces we often find ourselves in.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY| LAURENT ALIS
Laurent Alis is a Seychelles based artist, specialising in the realms of fine art sculptures and photography. Through an artsic exploration with dynamic colours and abstract movements, Laurent captures the essence of nature’s beauty, while also shedding light on its delicate fragility. His pieces serve as reminders to cherish our natural world, and highlight the Seychelles’ islands iconic natural heritage.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY| SASHA ALIS
Sasha Alis is a writer based in the Seychelles Islands. Born in South Africa to Mauritian parents and raised a global citizen, Sasha weaves her diverse heritage into simple yet evocative prose. Her work is focused on themes of human resilience, the female experience, community and immigration, and the embrace of her island roots. Through her free verse poems, she invites readers to take a look within, sparking fresh perspectives on connectionwith others, and the self.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Following a BAFA in 2023 at Michaelis School of Fine Art, I return to the roots of art in portraits and landscapes. This body of work comprises landscapes and portraits that vary stylistically, playing on the archaic and modern, with varying production media. Moreover, the imagery used is drawn from personal experiences and interests. Although each work may stand as one individually, they all together represent a progression on the other.
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Ronald Abdou, often known as Ronald Ngum or Abdou Kiloh, is a young emerging multimedia artist from
Cameroon and completed his BAFA in Michaelis School of Fine Art, South Africa in 2023. As a multimedia
artist, his practice encompasses; paintings, photography, video art, film, sculpture and sculptural installations. Predominantly, he explores the different forms of knowledge that define who people are and how they interact with the world. These reflections extend from his personal life experience to communal experiences and cultural tensions that exist within human spaces.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My new work combines my old style and new style, which I want to introduce, and is a mix of abstract art and realism. I do not limit myself to one medium, style, or concept.
The technique I’m using is still the same, nothing much has changed- it is the distortion, gesture lines, and the bit of texture, that helps me to move the viewers… and that’s my aim.
Each piece is an extension of my past, present, and my future. My work is meant to be read and analysed.
It is in nature that I find my true inspiration- as an expressionist- but the most important thing I wanted to do, was to put the viewers in a far world, tell my stories beautifully, and move them.
All my artworks evoke emotions and give an eye to the true beauty of art.
