LEETO: A SAM NHLENGETHWA PRINT RETROSPECTIVE

Leeto: A Sam Nhlengethwa Print Retrospective surveys the print work of renowned artist Sam Nhlengethwa from 1978 to 2018. Leeto is a seTswana/seSotho word for ‘journey’ and, as the word suggests, the exhibition explores the ongoing artistic footsteps of Nhlengethwa. Nhlengethwa’s work spans a variety of mediums, from painting, drawing to collage, and some of his works have been translated into tapestries. One of his big cityscape works was translated into a mosaic.

In addition, Nhlengethwa has also produced an impressive and sizeable body of printmaking work. His lithographs, linocuts, etchings, photogravures and screen prints tackle various socio-political and cultural experiences. The underpinning theme of the exhibition is jazz. An early influence in Nhlengethwa’s works was the underground township jazz community, and the exhibition draws links between the fluid nature of jazz improvisation and Nhlengethwa’s study of an ever changing community. Not only is it a recurrent theme in his work and something that Nhlengethwa loves and is inspired by, but jazz begins to articulate the various possibilities for a deeper understanding and reading of his oeuvre.

Leeto: A Sam Nhlengethwa Print Retrospective is at the Wits Art Museum, Corner Bertha (extension of Jan Smuts Avenue) and Jorissen Streets, Braamfontein, Johannesburg until Saturday August 17