Abongile Sidzumo, an artist from Langa township in the Western Cape, is exhibiting his latest works, titled “amagoduka” at the Johannes Stegmann Art Gallery at the UFS.
The term refers to people who live in urban areas but are originally from rural areas, and is a theme that is clearly visible in Sidzumo’s art of discarded leather offcuts that he assembles to create imaginary landscapes.
“The exhibition was inspired by my lived experiences,” started Sidzumo, “drawing inspiration from memories of my childhood and life in general in Langa township.”
Sidzumo started his journey into the world of art at a young age. “I started drawing when I was young, probably 7 years old,” he said, “then, after high school, I decided to study art and I enrolled at Michaelis School of art and majored in sculpture”. Since then, art has allowed Sidzumo to express himself and his experiences.
“I think art has allowed me to do a lot of self-introspection as a person,” he said, “Spending so much time in studio and creating art is a way of getting closer to the version of myself I want to be.”
Sidzumo’s exhibition will be hanging in the Johannes Stegmann Art Gallery until 29 September 2023, and he hopes that those who get to experience his work feel its impact. “I just hope that those who visit the exhibition have enjoyed it and have a connection with some of the artworks,” concluded Sidzumo.
Compiled by Warren Hawkins
