A Letter To My 22-Year-Old Self Through an eye-opening new exhibition at the Absa Gallery from 11 November 2018 to 25 January 2019, Banele Khoza shines the light on the difficulties experienced by young creatives trying to obtain an education and start their careers. One of the most promising artists to have come out of the Absa L’Atelier art competition in recent years, Khoza has curated a group exhibition that will give the next generation hope and see the development of a new foundation to provide financial help and guidance to young creatives.
T
Banele Khoza
he inspiration for the exhibition A Letter To My
decision-making that was driven by hunger and a lack of help,’
22-Year-Old Self stems from personal, first-hand
says Banele Khoza.
experience. ‘In 2011, I had days where I would sleep without food and had to result to going to
Now at a place in his life where his career is starting to take off and his basic necessities are covered, Khoza wishes
school with a grumbling stomach (if I had money for the
he could let his 22-year-old-self know that there is hope.
taxi fair), my concentration levels were impaired. But I could
By writing an open and honest letter, he could explain what
not tell anyone as I was afraid to ask for help, also I felt
has happened over the past few years and, in essence, guide
ashamed by my situation. I failed my first year due to my poor
himself through it.
34 / Creative Feel / November 2018
