Art Exhibitions

21 August 2020

THABO MOTSEKI 

 

Thabo Motseki’s body of work is the visual account of an attempt to record the rhythms and patterns of several periods in his life through lines and mark-making. The action of carving a lino plate is an act of removal and re-looking for Thabo. The marks in or on the plate represent his interpretation of time and life rhythm, pulse, negotiation and pattern. His record of the consistencies and inconsistencies in his pulse are abstract and personal metaphors, open to negotiation and conversation.

 

Motseki draws his inspiration from people who have been affected by similar experiences, and who have a story to tell through different kinds of platforms within the arts and socially. His work is visually grounded on the African continent. It unpacks and negotiates urban themes and concepts such as healing, scarification and vibrations offered by his immediate environment, yet globally relevant.

 

“I was so inspired listening to Simphiwe Dana’s music and watching her interviews, and it has led me to do her portrait along with those scars that have been imbedded in her and me while walking our individual paths of life.”

 

The artwork simply shows the power within women, in diversity and complexity, and how inspirational they are to society. The lines are an expression of this diversity, energy, complexity and inspiration.

 

 

 

Thabo Elton Motseki was born in 1980 in the township called Masilo Theunissen in the Free State. He later moved to Johannesburg due to health reasons and to further his studies. Thabo was involved in an accident at the age of 13, which lead to spending three years of his life in hospital and confined to bed without a sense of movement for the entire duration of his hospitalization. His confidence grew steadily and was later moulded by enrolling at South Western Gauteng College from 2003 until 2004. 

 

Motseki attained a certificate in Fine arts at South Western Gauteng College and in 2007 he completed his three-year course in printmaking at Artist Proof Studio. He currently co-owns a professional printing studio in Soweto, and he is an Education and Training Practitioner.

 

 

 

 

 

MOLEFE THWALA

 

 

This body of work forms part of the Isimemo (the invitation) series. The works are about being called to a higher self, called to know and accept who you really are spiritually.

 

Depicting the invite and invitee, the contradiction between contemporary living and one’s identity, between what is and what could be. The burden of the calling, a demonstration of experience, weight, protection and duty.

Showing simultaneously the ‘inviters’ and those who walk the path, the struggle to walk the path and those that cheer us on. Reminiscent of basket weaving, this journey is taken one strand at a time and all is revealed on the journey and at the destination.

 

 

 

Molefe Thwala is a founder partner at The Arts Company Soweto (TACS), where, for the last year, he has devoted 80% of his practice to creative art education and mentoring artists. He has extensive experience in unusual and innovative arts education and training. His recent activities include hosting printmaking workshops for school kids, working with a range of practicing artists, and planning and curating exhibitions.

 

Thwala is a primary designer and creative director at TACS. Born in Soweto he formerly forged his education and training at Central Johannesburg College, Artist Proof Studio and later the University of Johannesburg, where he graduated in 2012. He was later employed as a 1st year art and design tutor at the same university and he managed Sibisi Gallery.

 

He started drawing at the age of ten and spent many years learning at the Johannesburg Art Gallery. His artworks have been featured in various exhibitions and festivals including the Lithografie L’etier in Paris. He has exhibited his work in galleries, museums, and cultural centers throughout South Africa, Europe and America and his works are represented in numerous private collections. 

 

In his work Thwala often uses contemporary ideas combined with strong traditional printmaking techniques. He now passes his knowledge on by teaching in schools and taking on apprentices in his studio. He continues to explore new ways to share his cultural traditions. Molefe lives in Orlando West, Soweto, with his family.

LONGSTREET ART LOVERS 1932

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