This body of work deals with themes of perception, the politics in identity and the transculturation of a black man in contemporary South Africa. The works are an inside out commentary of what it means to be black both light of cultural affiliations as passed on by my elders in rural settings, as well as where I find myself now living and working in urban settings.
Representing South Africa in Germany Art Residency 2020 2020 portfolio was produced in my art residency in Germany and the work was inspired by my experience in the art residency. I felt like I was in the centre of the COVID-19 pandemic. I found myself responding to the COVID-19 impact by painting and drawing from my perception and emotions. Everything turned unexpectedly due to the virus, I could not move around Germany freely as I was hoping to be inspired by European art scene. I was in a good space and well taken of in my residency but being worried about people back home played with my emotions.
My work ended up being a catharsis to me in the space I found myself in as I was affected by the messages I received from home after the State of the Nation Address by the President of the Republic of South Africa. The closing of South African boarders did not put me at ease and caused a feeling of being stranded and alone even though I had support from my hosts but that thought of not knowing what is going to happen next affected me.
I had an amazing experience in Germany where we were all in an unknowing place with Germans about the virus that was new to everyone. All countries around the world are facing this pandemic, regardless of whether they are first world countries or not, this is a global problem that is affecting all and no one was ready for it.
To journey together as human beings at the same time and seeing different political groups fighting one invisible enemy and putting aside political differences and the issue of not perceiving things from one perspective, is very satisfying.