ISSUE 6
Digital Artist/Curators
Perception vs Perspective
July/August Issue
productivity pocket" - Bontle gives best academic advice to aspiring students PG 10
71 GP
?knarF
omaK si ohW
ERUTAEF REVOC
Content
"Find your
3
Come my friend. installation.
"My artwork represents fun, nostalgia and curiosity" - Uthobani talks about his artwork PG 25
2021 pg 35
EDITORS
s e t o N
Typing down the editor's notes at 07:30 on a rainy Friday, looking outside the window and admiring
the
beauty
of
nature
makes
me
feel alive not to mention the purpose I have to
fulfill
as
a
multidimensional
artist.
This
about both industries as they are my line of work. Being a curator means playing a role in
subjects
they
one
know
is
what
passionate they
do
about,
makes
a
and real
difference to the arts community. Despite all the misconceptions about curators, these artists always make sure whatever project plan they working on, it often expresses very high
levels
of
job
satisfaction.
With
that
being said, curatorship equals to care. Digital many
artist myths
compared
is
quite
going
to
interesting.
around
traditional
about
art
the
With it
so
being
featured
digital artists have made it easier for us to understand what digital art is. To those who wants to be digital artists, remember your computer won't do the work for you. It takes passion
and
skill
to
become
an
expert
digital artist and create a masterpiece. That's all I can say. Till next time mates!
enokeL estemeknO feihC ni rotidE
issue has had me asking so many questions
"Curating isn't just the matter of taste. It involves building up real knowledge of the items in your care. As the world gets quicker, and shallower, and bite-sized, retaining our ability to take a deep dive into history is more and more important" - Daniel Martin
July/August Issue
B O N T L E
Tau
"Find your productivity pocket"
enasiD ovuL yb weivretnI
Bontle Tau is a curator, writer, and artist.When asked which one resonates more to her, she said she is a creative and all of the roles make her who she is. She summarises photography, digital drawing, and video installation in the following Richard Avedon quote, "All photographs are accurate, but none of them tell the truth."
July/August issue 7
day. Another passion of hers is language: it
You were born in Bloemfontein; and you grew up in Durban, Lydenburg, and Johannesburg. What would you say is the most memorable period growing up and why?
helps her connect with people, and also helps
My life has been a little nomadic, so i
her break language barriers between her and
hold onto different memories from my
other
childhood.
Bloemfontein
think
my
Outside the space of art, Bontle is someone who enjoys the process of
learning about
other people. She has passion for having a short conversation with at least one stranger a
individuals
language.
who
speak
a
different
of
reminds beach
me with
of
makes
granfmother. rollerblading
my
brother.
makes me think of
me
Durban on
the
Lydenburg
learning to horse
ride and Johannesburg reminds me of my awkward pre-teen and teen stage, which
was
really
instrumental
to
my
personal developmemt.
July/August Issue
8
Did you know there is a book titled The Blessed Girl written by Angela Makholwa? The main character is Bontle Tau
Please share your experience of the residency which you had in France.
Yes indeed, i do. I interacted briefly with
been
the author over Twitter, who seemed quite
Southern
lovely.
years.
It
was
interesting
to
see
my
The
residency/internship
a
philanthropic African
Getting
strengthened
own.
create
I
was
fortunate
enough
to
meet
Shayne
Girardin, a Zimbabwean curator at Galerie
with
SAFFCA, run by Pierre Lombart - who has
namesake lead such a different life to my
How did your first international group exhibition with Galerie L'App'Art come about? How has the exhibition created more opportunities for you?
was
gave
in me
a
to
my
this
art
for
well
work
love
over
with
for
country. new
collector
cultural
30
SAFFCA
the
Being
of
work in
we
France
perspective,
especially through conversations with the locals. It also increased my worldliness mastering the Paris metro
routes was a
personal triumph for someone who has never used it before.
have my work in the group exhibition. It's
Please share your thoughts on your current presentation with @latitudes.online CuratorLab.
really been an incredible addition to my CV
The show is titled 'translating home'. ' It
and has opened a lot of opportunities for
presents the work of 7 powerhouse artists
me both in South Africa and abroad.
whose
L'App'Art, in the South of France last year. She presented me with the opportunity to
work
Shoshan, Lindo
Alka
zwane,
i
really Dass,
Andre
admire
Manyaku Rose,
(Assaf Mashilo,
Janine
'The
Brusher' Allen, and Bongani Tshabalala). The online exhibiton shows works which challenge the concept of 'home' . I think the works in the show have a beautiful narrative quality to them - even though they are images, they all seem powerful enough to relay a story at the very first glance.
July/August Issue 9
Which is your favourite artwork or image in the presentation? Assaf Shoshan's Orly & Konda (2017) is quite
special.
composed
It's
part
portraits
of
a
series
of
that the artist took
How do you regain energy after the productionn of an artwork, the writing of a literature piece, or the curation of a presentation? Normally,
I
recharge
by
doing
the
things
I
on his trip back home to Tel Aviv Israel. It
love outside of creating, so - spending time
tells a story of a woman, Orly, who awaits
with friends and family; visiting galleries and
Konda's return to her home in fear that
musuems; reading a really good book... the
the immigration police will catch him on
list is endless.
peace that falls on both of their faces
What would you say about the current artscape in Johannesburg?
when Konda finally returns unscathed. I
Joburg, is, was and will be a monumental
think that's powerful. It speaks about so
space
much more than the visual parameters of
York' of SA when it comes to visual art. It
that
continues to be that monument. The Joburg
their
patrol.
The
image
photograph.
image
the
stillness and contentment of the subjects
inspiring.
magical.
the
in
for
artscape
such
with
lighting
the
overwhelming
is
paired
The
captures
The
work
demands
a
moment of silence and devotion.
What is the best academic advice you can give to aspiring students so they can maximise their time in university? For
your
school
work:
find
your
South
is
African
vibrant,
art.
It's
the
competitive,
'New
and
What advice would you give to artists who are looking to have their work showcased in galleries? Research the space you want to exhibit in. Look at the kind of work they lean towards and see if your work aligns with that space. When
presenting
your
portfolio,
make
sure
'productivity pocket' . Those are the hours
you
you are most likely to do your best work,
portraits includes making sure your works are
and use that window to its fullest, but
photographed well (hire a photographer if
also remember that varsity is all about
you need to). Research the exhibition space
balance.
and
many
Yes,
other
work
hard,
experiences
but as
enjoy
as
possible.
show
the
remember
your
best
gallery's to
works.
hanging
ensure
that
Professional
systems
your
work
is
Make friends, join a sports team. Make it
'exhibition ready' meaning - give the gallery
holistic experience, have a little fun too.
solutions on how they will potentially display your work in their space.
July/August Issue
'Of Another Time When I Existed' 2020. self portrait drawn in smoke and charcoal on paper
"Don't waste your fear hold on to it and wait to use it at the right time"
@KS_SKETCHBOOK enasiD ovuL yb weivretnI
July/August Issue
12
ks_sketchbook Dinkoketso
is
chasing
his
Kgomo
holds
on
the
view
that
digital
version of what perfect is, and
technology
this
ber
negative impact on the current movement
passion for art; he makes it his
of contemporary art, "On the other hand,
mission to learn and execute on
anybody can learn and become good at
projects as close to perfect as
digital
he
anybody can learn and become good at
goal
can.
is
He
what
sustains
believes
Nature,
art,
has
has
and
on
a
the
positive
other
and
hand,
Fear and Curiosity are the best
digital
teachers of art.
website which will house and sell his art,
art."
He
is
currently
building
a
but for more of his graphic design work you can check out his Behance portfolio at https://www.behance.net/Konki89
but
How have you formally and informally taught yourself how to produce better artworks?
everybody calls me Konki. I am a
Practice practice practice! I always
creative
thinker,
try
graphic
designer
creator.
I
Who are you and what do you do? I'm
Dikonketso
love
Kgomo
artist
director,
and the
content
magic
of
and
better,
challenge to
get
myself
better
to
and
do
keep
improving even if it's in little things. I
creation; the thrill of thinking and
have
then
proportions and landscape drawing
developing
something
to
informally
existence is amazing.
What work style and theme do you mostly enjoy? I love doodling and sketching; the process feels easy and natural, it's almost
liberating.
been
My
general
themes are emotions and moments
How do real-life situations inspire your creation process? I get most of my inspiration from
practicing
but
all
my
body
software
training as a graphic designer helps too.
How has your creative process evolved as you have grown as an artist? I plan a lot more than I did before. My process is that the outcomes of my works must answer a question or provoke an emotional reaction.
the subtle moments to enhance the
What type of research goes into the production of your artworks?
emotive experience of the moment.
Mostly
One of my works was inspired by
postures and colour themes. Most
chilling with friends, and we all had
of
a
real life situations, I try to zoom into
moment
and
the
emotional
I
the
study
pieces
and
practice
I've
page
shared
body
on
my
(ks_sketchbook)
outburst inspired me to draw. Most
are practice pieces.
of the pieces I have on instagram
What is the most positive and the
are a reflection of things I read or
most negative feedback you have
research. Lately I'm interested in old
received
mythology,
artist?
European.
be
it
African
or
in
your
journey
as
an
I tend to take all feedback on a neutral mindset. Some people just express like or dislike whilst others give
constructive
or
destructive
criticism, so I take it
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14
Some argue that the artist life is lonely, do you agree or disagree? Why?
What jobs have you done other than being an artist?
Not
- so I'm generally working on
really.
there
is
In
every
disxipline
community
problem
is
that
but
most
the
My main field is graphic design
marketing
or
advertising
artists
projects on the weekly. Sharing
keep their creations and ideas
my art is a new avenue for me
to their chests that they miss
but
out on the benefits of sharing.
great so far
the
response
has
been
What do you dislike about the art world?
What is the best piece of life advice you have received?
The
Whilst
volatility
and
the
waiting
in
line
to
go
flamboyance. The art world can
bungee jumping someone said
be
craze
to me, "Don't waste your fear
comes in and dies out before
hold on to it and wait to use it
anyone can even ride the wave,
at the right time," so I tried it
or
and
very
volatile,
the
use
saturates
a
of
the
a
new
style
media.
And
flamboyance;
personally
of
we
the
today
things I
don't
understand them
the
over
some
consider
really hype
the
see
realised
that
when
you
take a hold of your fear it has no power over you.
art or
behind
15
COVER FEATURE Kamogelo Frank
enokeL estemeknO yb weivretnI
From a fashion graduate to a digital artist/illustrator, the young
phenomenal
precisely
inspired
representation
of
woman, by
black
black
Kamogelo women
women
through
Frank,
who
emphasizes her
art.
is the
She
is
inspired to tell our stories in an authentic amd unfettered way, as told by a black African woman. "Our stories and our lived experiences are worth sharing and they're worth being depicted" she says.
July/August Issue
17
July/August Issue
From fashion graduate to digital artist/illustrator, how did that come about? Were you always interested in the arts?
Are there misconceptions about what digital art is or how it is defined?
I'd
regarding what some people perceive
say
I've
interest
in
always
something my parents were aware of
always pointed back to traditional art.
from
There
age,
and
immense
or classify as "real art" - which almost
young
arts,
an
was
a
the
had
to
this
I think we've come quite a long way
the
extent
of
are
still
encouraging and nurturing my interest
misconceptions
in the creative space. The decision to
digital
pursue
practice
and
fashion
practical
seemed choice
like
for
a
me
logical at
art
quite
though,
requiring
than
a such
less
traditional
few
skill
art,
as or
digital
that
art being "easier" to create or digital
time, as fashion is also something that I
art having no real value, all of which
have an interest in as well (hoping I can
couldn't more wrong
near future). Following a brief stint in
What distinguish you from other artists in your genre?
the fashion industry, I had a gnawing
I'd say the most obvious thing would
feeling to go back to my first love, and
be my style, which makes it of bold,
it was at that point that I took a leap
rich retro colours, as well as texture,
and started illustrating. To be honest,
which
before then, I never really considered
nostalgia in the viewer.
tie the two together sometime in the
digital art as a possible career path, so happy
I've
practice
seen and
the
light.
With
self-learning,
much that's
essentially where my journey began.
I'd
hope
evokes
a
sense
of
'beachy'
How have you developed your career?
What do you do to overcome a creative block?
Although I've only been in the industry
A lot of the time, a creative block
for a short period of time, sharing my
usually
work on social media has played a
somewhat
huge role in how the development of
take some time off and come back
my
with a clearer perspective. While in
career
has
panned
out.
signals
that
retreat
disciplines,
have
for
photography, dance, fashion, music
years has also had a massive impact
or film, because honestly, inspiration
on my journey thus far.
and
art
space
new
anywhere.
July/August Issue
to
creating,
with the some amazing people who digital
like
to
that
in
I
from
need
Networking and forming relationships
been
space,
I
explore
whether
ideas
could
it
be
other be
hiding
How do you get inspired to produce a piece of artwork? in my life, women I've come crossed paths
What impact do you think commercialism and the media has had on your work? Is this good or bad?
with and women I aspire to be like. Much
While some may say commercialism has
of my work is aimed at celebrating and
caused
commemorating
creativity,
I'd
someone
sees
I get inspired by the strong black women
experiences
in
our a
stories
buoyant
and
and
powerful
artists
to
say
prostitute
in
value
this in
their
zeitgeist,
your
work,
if so
way, which I believe gives you a sense of
much so that they want your work, they
how I see black women - colourful, full of
should see enough value to pay for it
life,
-
and the artist should not be seen as any
this
"less" because they got remunerated for
needs to be amplified to the nth degree in
their work. Though I'd agree to an extent
my work.
that commercialization somewhat stifles
exuberant,
we're
all
that
bold, and
striking
much
but
more
soft
and
What techniques and resources did you use to design your last few pieces? The use of texture is an important part of
creativity (i.e paid commissions) as the art runs the risk of being corrupted by the needs of a client.
hand
at
If you knew that you had only one last opportunity to express yourself creatively, what message would you want to convey to others?
patterns
in
I'd want viewers to get a glimpse of the
some of my work, so I've definitely been
importance I place on the portrayal of
enjoying
black
my work, I feel this gives my work more depth
and
character,
so
texture
is
an
element that will always be present in my work.
I'm
also
incorporating
the
trying
more
my
organic
explorative
process
of
this
journey.
experience.
How do you manage to stay both personal and original in your creative endeavors? It's
so
women
easy
influenced
fall
being
the
representation important, but how these individuals
and
experiences
are
portrayed is just as crucial. I want my work to convey a message that lauds the
in a way that is bold, that is authentic
(thanks internet!). However, I think having
but contemporary and refreshing, and in
a clear understanding of what I'm creating
a way that isn't narrow or overdone.
aligned
first
at
all
place, times.
creatives
is
doing and relabeling that as "inspiration"
the
other
to
only
overall
existence and the essence of blackness,
in
what
victim
the
are
for
by
to
Not
and
helps
keep
Asking
me
myself
important questions, always understanding my
"why",
limitations
without on
myself
necessarily creatively
placing is
what
keeps my work both personal and original.
20
Feelin' shady
July/August Issue
21
uthobani
azohK esimorP yb weivretnI
23
UTHOBANI
Thobani Nhlumayo is a 24 year old digital artist who hail from the sunny land of KwaZulu Natal which would naturally make him Zulu. He grew up in a small town called Margate located right along the South Coast. Thobani is an extrovert and a bit and by a bit which really means a lot of an over thinker which he thinks are two traits that influence the type of art he does. Like most kids, he grew up watching cartoons as he was fascinated by the idea of a drawing from a paper and putting it on screen and making it move. He was mostly inspired by cartoons like Ed Edd & Eddy, The Cramp Twins, Kids Next door, Courage The Cowardly Dog, Samurai Jack and a long list of other cartoons. "I think some of this cartoons resonate in my illustrations and color pallets. As I grew up I became inspired by other things like street culture
and
that's
where
I
learned
about
grunge.
Furthermore
incorporate things I see in my day to day in my illustrations." He says.
23
What does your artwork represent? nostalgia and curiosity. I love thought
Do you see an art-world hierachy between digitally generated art and tradirtional mediums?
provoking art and I am aways pushing
Yes but in terms of reach, as with digital
to use more abstract color pallets and
art I can post on social media or the
make the viewer ask, "what's going on
internet and have hundreds of people
here" and in that a conversation builds.
see it without even knowing me. With
I
bring
traditional art you would have to know
possible.
the artist to see their art or have to be
Being an artist of any kind, you want
at a specific location to see them. I feel
your art to bring some type of emotion
like
to the viewer.
putting our art on the internet as it has a
Why do you make this type of art?
higher reach.
I would say my artwork represents fun,
would
people
also
want
together
in
my any
art way
to
slowly
we
are
transgressing
into
thing is that it makes me happy and it
Do you ever feel that you have to censor your creativity because you don't want to offend anyone?
keeps me busy. Another reason is that I
At time, yes. I feel that in my style of
do it for the people that enjoy seeing
illustration, some artworks come off as
my art. It brings me joy to see different
dark.
reactions of my art. I illustrate becuase
had clients turn me down after seeing
it
my non-formal work. But usually for me I
Wow there are so many reasons that I make the art I do. I think thevery first
brings
me
satisfaction
and
also
Sometimes
to
put
laugh
something. I spend a lot of time thinking
happy. I also feel like the art you make
of different ways to improve and reach
appeals
a bigger market, furthermore how I can
music
show my art to people and hopefully
believe
inspire them.
censored just because it might offend
and
someone
certain
other
that
as
makes
market,
forms
art
art
that
I've
like
a
work
because
enhance my skills every time I work on
to
out
I
of
should
speaks
me
just
art.
I
like fully
never
differently
be
to
people. What one might find offensive might bring joy to another person. So I say, make art and make people happy.
July/August Issue
Do you do anything special to get your "creative juices" flowing? Please explain.
Think back to your childhood, what did you hope to become as an adult?
I won't lie I don't do anything specific
be so many things. let it be a fireman, a
or any methodical to get started. But
pilot or a dentist. One thing that stood out
I
and
for me was tone a cartoonist, and at that
have snacks haha. I usually spend 15
time I didn't even know what it meant to be
minutes
a
guess
I
do
play
staring
some
at
a
music
blank
screen
before I begin. I also have a book I Illustrate in so sometimes I go back and
look
sparks
through
any
through
that
ideas.
I
to
see
if
it
love
scrolling
get
inspired,
to
Honestly as a child growing up I wanted to
cartoonist,
wanted
to
all
draw
I
knew my
was
own
was
that
cartoons
I
and
illustrations. It's so wild because I actually got the blessing to become an illustrator and graphic designer and I actually got to learn the ins and outs of the industry.
even someone's outift can inspire me to draw something.
What's your favourite piece? Why? I can't point out one specific artwork as
they
all
different
have
time
resonance
in
my
life.
of
All
a my
artworks sort of speak to me.
Do you have skills that you wish to develop or talents you wish to perfect? Yes I definitely have so many skills love to
perfect
or
develop.
I
used
to
play
drums and I can still play. I would to continue
playing
them
because
I
love
music and I've always wanted to be oe part learn
of
a
band.
animation
I
would
so
I
also
can
love
make
to my
illustrations come to life. A skill I wish to perfect is videography and directing. As much as I love illustrating I think that getting into video directing is my next move so I can add onto my avenue of skills.
25
Have you ever felt that your personal expectations have limited your creativity? If so, how have you dealt with this? Yes, I think it mostly comes from me over expecting something and not getting the result I wanted. Or going into something expecting something but getting the total opposite of that. I know it’s a bad habit but I used to look through other people's art that is similar to what I want to do and wish that I was as good as them or wish that I was them instead of looking at what I can do and saying “how can I improve this to satisfy me further”.
When embarking upon a project, do you preplan your entire endeavor or do you simply follow where your inspiration takes you?
If you could change one aspect of our society through your work, what would it be? If I could change one thing, it would be the way people view each other. I would
I would call it pre planned because I work
want to break the lines of being different
pretty old school. I usually draw my full inked
and
illustration
a
because you don’t fit into a particularly
my
category of people. I would want to bring
phone and transfer it to my computer and
unity and be able to build community to
work on it from there. However I am also
both those who are interested in art and
trying
and
even those who aren’t interested in art.
on
my
I’ve always believed that art is the one
on
the
mutual thing that people can come to a
working
on,
common ground on or even be able to
on
photograph
to
finishing
of
paper that
getting some
computer.
I
artist
also
and
of
think
then
illustration
used my it
what
I
to
take with
starting
illustrations
also you
depends are
some things need pre planning and others
being
viewed
as
not
normal
communicate over.
come to you freely.
26
just
How do want people to remember you? I don’t think that my art is the first thing I want people to remember me by. I want people to remember me by my smile, my personality and my influence. If anything I want to teach people is what I know so that stuff I know doesn’t die with me just because I once said “I have the secret formula to this and that”. So I want to be remembered by the things I leave behind even if it’s not a materialistic thing but even knowledge.
July/August Issue
27
RED NEVAL
aselaM otuhT yb weivretnI Digital artistry is the use of technology to create anything from 3D
animations to enhancing photos , according to 21-year-old digital artist,
Redneval.
28
REDNEVAL He
is
an
artist
so
said
to
be
inspired
by
everyday life, who much loves “kicking it with the boys”. An artistic perfectionist bound by the process of constantly adding on ideas to his
projects
until
certain
about
the
end
product. Retro futurism is how he describes his art, with his pieces portraying vintage colors with a futuristic element. There
are
no
reflection
of
messages the
in
his
emotions
art
but
evoked
just in
a
the
moment. His aspiration to the work of Takkashii Murakami pieces.
is
The
evidently artist
shown
claims
the
in
his
role
colorful
model
as
someone who pushes him to worker harder and explore. Overall he describes digital art as not having
an
expiry
date,
a
beautiful
creation
made from nothing and something you can do everywhere
with
easy
installable
software.
Have fun. Nothing will ever be perfect”
July/August Issue
”
Could you take me through your creative process Well, when it comes to making art, even when i know what i want my work to look
like
adding,
What would you describe a digital artist as? Digtal Artist, is anyone that uses technology to
create
and
this
includes
people
who
create 3D animations, enhance photos in photoshop or other software.
it
comes
to
creating
1
to
creating
about
3
I
just
ideas
keep
untilI’m
certain about the end product.
Why should any aspiring artist pursue the career? ( What are the perks) One thing I always say to all my friends is art doesn’t have an expiry date, so creating something from nothing is the
Do you think that the industry Makes it easier for people using digital tools as opposed to live material? When
after
something
Digitally, you can do it from anywhere, on your phone, tablet or laptop as they are portable and have easy to install software.
most
beatiful
thing
anyone
can
come
across. Creating art is theraupitic, very calming to the mind and soul.
What inspires your content? My everyday life, my Sorroundings. I can be walking to the shops or kicking it with the boys and a colour or pattern or even
Who's your favourite digital artist?
a smell can give me ideas that i can build
Takkashii Murakami
something from.
July/August Issue
Your style specifically, what would you describe it as? Very
dark/colourful
simple
words
I’d
and
call
it
exciting. retro
In
futurism
because of all the vintage colours and a futuristic element.
Most artist try to convey subliminal messages through their art, are you such an artist? If so what messages are those? No, I make art relating to how I’m feeling at that moment, even though I can be inspired
by
something
else
it
always
concludes with my current emotions.
If you knew what you know now as a digital artist, what would you say the younger creator in you?
July/August Issue
Tshegofatso Seoka is an academic, art historian, independent curator as well as managing director of Ms Simone. The young phenomenal woman is interested in African Renaissance of all the aspects of arts and academia leading to a re-emergence of African knowledge systems that would operate globally. Her main hobbies include painting, reading and interesting conversations with strangers as she believes in the connectedness of all things alive and aim at getting a clear understanding of most of the concepts of aliveness that are present today. She is also heavily interested in post-colonial theory, feminist theory, semiotics, decolonisation, and queer theory as well as the rights and policies afforded to cultural practitioners in an African context. Furthermore, she is inspired by the intermingling of the arts and social culture, which has heavily influenced her writing and perception of the world and hope to become a professor in the arts, contributing to the art world as well as influencing policy with regards to the arts sector.
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Tell us more about Ms Simone which is an art consultancy company. Share an effective approach to working with a large amount of information/data. How has your approach affected your company?
What is contemporary art and its history?
Ms
consultancy
currently. The term contemporary can
contremporary
be loosely translated into art from the
Simone
company South
is
an
focused
art on
African
and
African
has
three
main
defined
as
art
can
paintings,
photography,
be
simply
sculptures, installations,
performance, and video art - produced
Ms
1960s and 70s until now. The interesting
objective
thing about contemporary art is that at
features which are Art, Research, and
the most of it challenges established
Design. Ms Simone aims to open a lens
bodies of knowledge, especially on the
on
previously
Simone
contemporary
African artists
art, and
by
providing
the
curation
South
art
of
sector
art.
Contemporary
African
and
support through
exhibitions,
to the
defined,
marginalized,
and
other narratives presented by Western academia.
It
also
comes
as
a
project
representation of a search for personal
management, profiling and research. Ms
identity as many artists are using their
Simone
art to confront their peronal histories
further
presentation
proposes
and
art
artist
collection
as they try to fit in this global world.
management, with the aim of expanding the
art
market
to
new
buyers.
The
research component of Ms Simone aims at the development, maintenance and updating of contemporary South African and
African
art
amd
artists
archives,
both on various forms of print media, as well
as
on
digital
platforms.
With
a
strong focus on academia. Ms Simone research mandate is based on research for publishing in books and national as well as international academic journals.
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"Wa Thinta Abafazi, Wa Thinta Imbokodo" an exhibiton celebrating Women's Day which was at Oliewenhuis Art Museum, you worked with the likes of Bambo Sibiya, Justin Dingwall.. how was the experience working with such great artists?
What was your most challenging project? How did you handle it? What would you do differently?
Oliewenhuis Art Museum has on eof the most
rewarding exhibitions of my life so far. I
intriguing permanent art collections, inclusive
worked
of
and
the
works
of
Bambo
Sibiya
and
Justin
Curating
the
one
of
the
with
mostly
catalogue.
permanent
collection.
#AMANDLA! exhibition from
Oliewenhuis
[Re]form,
which
the
I
also
Museum
curated
Debate,
included
Permanent
Art
challenging
different while
service
entities, also
The
galleries
working
providers
and
for
planning,
with the the
the
coordination, everything that had to do
[Re]dress?
with the exhibition was not as easy as it
artworks
Collections
most
museums,
different
the
[Re]form,
Debate, [Re]dress? exhibition has been
Dingwall. When co-curating the exhibition, we used
#AMANDLA!
sourced
of
some
of
was my first time working with big names such
as
Ayanda
Ngobeni,
galleries
as
Mashilo as well as Michael Selekane and
Oliewenhuis Art Museum, William Humphrey's
Reatile Moalusi. Also, it was my first time
Art
Gallery,
working
Art
Gallery,
art
Unisa
instituions
Art
Everard
Gallery, Read
such
Johannesburg
and
big
entities
Setlamorago
and
galleries
Art
such as the ones mentioned above. but
Projects. The selection of artworks reflected
the one thing I can honestly say was that
contemporary
I
representations
Legacy
with
Kupa,
Blessing
South Africa's most prestigious art museums, and
Asanda
Mabulu,
of
visual
was
working
resistance by emrging as well as South African
supportive
artists
and
exhibition
photographers. were
artworks
by
Motaung
more
current
Asanda
traditional
William
Julian
in
the
Museum
'Resistance
Art'
seamless.
Kentridge,
and
Norman
artworks
Kupa,
Included
by
Ayanda
Dumeli
Mabulu,
team who
at
a
very
good
and
Oliewenhuis
Art
made
the
process
Feni,
Catherine artists
with
and
such
as
Blessing
Ngobeni, Michael Selekane and Setlamorago Mashilo,
with
the
aim
to
visually
exploring
concepts such as Traditional vs. Contemporary representations
of
'Resistance',
'Resistance
and identity formation' as well as 'Land and Space
in
South
African
Resistance'.
Working
amazing
I
as
built
representations
with
long-life
the
artists
friendships
of
was and
acquaintances in the art sector through the curation of the exhibition.
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Brown skin girl l. Mixed media on canvas
As someone with artistic talent, who is your greatest inspiration and why? It's
quite
mention
funny my
and
embarrassing
biggest
inspiration.
I
to am
quite inspired Leornado Da Vinci, whom I
have
after.
consequently Leornado
considered due
to
as
his
disciplines.
the
named
Da
Vinci
renaissance
proficieny I
my
loved
his
in
son was
person
numerous
attention
to
detail, as well as his inquisitive energy. I would one day also love to find myself excelling in various aspects of the arts from physical painting, printmaking, and drawing to academics as I would one day like to be a professor in the arts and contribute
towards
the
creative sector policy.
South
African
How has the role of a curator changed? Haha, I wished I worked as a curator in the
museum
before.
Educational Oliewenhuis pleasure
of
I
worked
Assistant Art
at
Museum.
curating
as
the
I
an the
had
the
exhibitions
I
curatedat the discretion of the curator who
is
incredibly
open
to
giving
her
staff members opportunities to develop themselves. I am incredibly grateful for
I believe in the preservation of history especially through the preservation of artworks, we are still able to tell of and understand past periods of the world through the art that has been preserved over hundreds of years. The history of Africa and particularly South Africa is one of the most interesting histories of lifetime
and
This is quite an exciting time for one to be
in
the
arts
sector
as
artists
are
pushing the boundaries once again in their
varied
artistic
like
Nkhensani
artists
created
an
entire
pursuits.
I
mean
Rihlampfu
bronze
who
sculpture
stemming from rope, or artists such as Olwethu
De
Vos
who
is
using
unconventional materials such as steel
the opportunity.
our
How do current trends in the artistic community influence your work?
I
am
glad
to
have
worked in spaces that are determined to keep our difficult history alive.
wool and copper wire thread to create artworks.
Artists
such
as
Nonkululeko
Sibande and Lebohang Lang Motaung who
create
synthetic exciting
artworks
hair times
fibre for
art
with
hair
and
present
quite
enthusiasts
like
me. I am inspired by these artists to also push
the
boundaries
with
everything
that I do, to imagine new futures, and expand
on
existing
theories
attempt
of
getting
the
gist
in
the
of
relative things
July/August Issue
36
all
What advice would you give someone who wants to be a curator? BE BOLD, BE BRAVE, the art sector is not an easy sector for one, especially women to navigate and permeate. One needs to be strong and brave and true to themselves in order to make it. The industry is tough so one needs to be tougher.
Studies show that hair texture is perceived as even more important for society's approval than skin colour. How does your exhibition, "NOT ANOTHER HAIR SHOW" promote the blackness of women through their hairstyles? Ever
since
between
the
colonial
Europe
and
encounter
Africa.
African
aesthetics such as hair and hairstyling practices
and
choices
have
been
engulfed in a prolonged tussle where the
beauty,
and
texture,
permeability
social
of
relevance,
black
hair
is
endlessly critiqued and questioned. The head
and
through
hairstyles various
of
black
eras
women
have
been
regarded as a tool of communication as well
as
a
site
of
contention
of
Come my friend. Installation. 2021
NOT
ANOTHER HAIR SHOW emerges as an exhibition derived from the dissertation titled: HAIR POLITICS: AN EXAMINATION OF THE AESTHETICS OF BLACK FEMALE HAIR
IN
THE
WORK
OF
SELECTED
AFRICAN ARTISTS.
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37
Written
by
Tshegofatso
Seoka,
the
dissertation highlights the politics of black hair
and
hairstyling
choices,
interrogating
beauty
within
practices the
various
and
dynamics
of
socio-specific
communities in Africa and the diaspora. The dissertation further discusses aspects of black African emancipatory discourse, which develops as grand representations of
blackness
aggressively narrative hairstyles
of of
and
black
promoting mimicry black
aesthetics,
a
reductive
where
the
specific
women
are
actively
critiqued. The exhibition features an array of
artworks
steeming
from
multiple
disciplines by contemporary South African artists,
inclusive
of
sculpture,
paintings,
drawings, pyrography, photography, and digital
illustrations,
diverse
nature
all of
reflective black
of
the
women's
hairstyles. The exhibition aims to reflect the
role
of
black
women's
hair
as
a
medium for creativity, a representation of social, economic and political affiliations, source
of
pride,
and
an
expression
of
freedom of choice. The exhibition further acclaims the ingenuity of black hairstyling manifested through the creation and the continual
development
of
new,
fascinating, dynamic techniques, choices, and practices of black hairstyling.
Current/Coming exhibitions Not Another Hair Show curated by Tshegofatso Seoka @NWU gallery 9 August-17 September Ubumnyama. An offering by Lindo Zwane @Lizamore gallery 15 August - 11 September When there are no words. Olwethu De Vos Solo Exhibition 28 August - 25 September Among the lilies. Ode to the woman. Market Art Exhibition 28 August My Loves x Black Brick popup show 28 - 29 August Addicted to Black currently on show on "A Cloud" at Gallery 2 31 July - 28 August The Anatomy Lesson solo exhibition by Conrad Botes. @kalashnikovvgallery 4 September
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Botaki Youth Magazine is a digital publication which focuses on the Youth who are pushing their craft yet their craft is not recognized. The magazine's objective is to instill in readers, the need to bring forth their individual perspectives in order to create a unique perception of the art Botaki Youth Magazine holds in it. Thank you to Botaki Team and everyone who helped make this issue possible. For any collaboration/advertising or any other enquiries please contact us at botakiyouthmagazine@gmail.com
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