Award-winning artist Abongile Sidzumo was in Gqeberha at the weekend to offer art lovers a glimpse into his world, using somewhat unconventional materials, to tell his life’s journey during an artist walkabout at the Bird Street Gallery.
The Cape Town-based 2021 Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto award-winner’s latest exhibition Amagoduka uses leather scraps which he weaves together on a hessian canvas with exposed stitching to encapsulate his various life experiences.
Sidzumo’s exhibition, Amagoduka comes from the concept of belonging and what he considers home.
“It is about embracing African culture and who we are as people, and embracing other elements of life,” Sidzumo said.
“These artworks are a combination of drawing and sculpture.”
The trained sculpture said he knew from the age of seven that he wanted to be an artist and embarked on his journey to achieve it.
While attending Michaelis School of Fine Arts in Cape Town, where he graduated with a degree in fine arts in 2019, Sidzumo said he was influenced to look at other forms of art after a particular project which required him to use abstract materials.
“At art school we had to sculpt using a foreign object and I used an old leather suitcase,” he said.
From there Sidzumo began using leather in his works.
“I am always experimenting and might go back to sculpting,” he said.
After winning the 2021 Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto award, Sidzumo jetting off to Paris where he had a three-month artistic residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts where he conceptualised and produced the works on display here.
“I was influenced by my time in Paris and reflecting on its beauty,” he said.
“Winning the Gerard Sekoto award is the biggest highlight of my career.
“It has encouraged me to keep going and believe in my art practice,” he said.
The term, Amagoduka, is used for people who live in urban areas but are originally from rural locations.
His work pays homage to his upbringing and highlights the various experiences he has had.
From landscapes to self-portraits, Sidzumo’s works showcase his inner understanding of what he sees and hears.
“I like to be in my own space. I’m somewhat an introvert at heart,” he said.
Amagoduka is open for public viewing Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm until May 26 at the Bird Street Gallery.
HeraldLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.