The work of a local artist who dreams of making name with unique masterpieces that spark inspiration was featured in an acclaimed group art exhibition celebrating women this month.
The exhibition, entitled “Celebrating Women”, was launched last Monday (15 August) by the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate in collaboration with Community Service and Health at the V&A Amphitheatre.
Co-curated alongside The Justice Desk’s photo exhibition, “A Girl with A Dream”, the exhibition ran from Tuesday 9 August until Monday (22 August), after which it was taken to the Cape Town International Convention Centre for FAME Week Africa starting today (Wednesday 24 August).
Silindile Sihlangu from Nomzamo was among 25 young artists who were granted the opportunity to nurture their talents and a platform to showcase their work focused on the theme.
“It was exciting to hear that my artworks were among those selected for the exhibition,” the 38-year-old said. “Personally, the initiative in celebration of women was like a tribute to my late mother, Tozi Sihlangu, who passed away in June 2020. I would spoil her during Women’s Month and I miss those special moments shared together.”
His exhibition feature materialised after he had applied to be part of the City’s 2021 Emerging Artists Programme, which helps under-resourced, emerging artists access opportunities that will help promote their work and develop their profession. The talented artist also attended a masterclass series, which entailed networking, mentoring and training, including a workshop on “Getting Exhibition Ready” with a focus on visual art awareness and the business of art, among others.
Sihlangu’s works, entitled “Being a black woman” and “Steve Biko Street, the portrait of Simphiwe Dana”, were curated for the exhibition. Both pieces are black and white with heavy shade.
He explained: “My displayed works are the identities of women in bold and heavy shades, bright highlights, and the message extended through what is portrayed is to be bold and stand firm as a woman at the core of one’s family.”
According to JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee member for Safety and Securit the exhibition is a stepping stone towards great opportunities. “This is why we support the exhibition in the run up to the big FAME Week Africa event. As an opportunity City we need to make sure we create platforms for the development and empowerment of talented individuals. We are aware of the huge role our creative and art industries play in job creation and in boosting the local economy,” Smith elaborated.
Sihlangu operates his own studio where he turns passion into income as a freelance visual artist and graphic designer. He discovered his love for art at the tender age of nine and decided to pursue a career in art after matriculating.
His creative skill is backed up by numerous qualifications, including a graphic design diploma from the Ruth Prowse School of Art in Woodstock, Cape Town and a certificate in entrepreneurship from the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business. Among his list of career highlights is winning first prize in Ernest Mancoba Education Poster Project (EMEPP). He is currently working on a huge mural entitled “Art Corridor” at the newly established Somerset Crossing shopping centre.
Sihlangu further shared his hopes for the exhibition exposure to boost his art sales and giving him an edge on competitors in the local market, while also providing opportunities internationally.
He has the following message for aspiring women artists: “Art is male-dominated sector and we need more women artists. I strongly believe if women carry us before we arrive in life they can carry art to another level. They must never limit themselves because of others or negative situations, nor limit their imagination because of gender imbalance, nor must they ever limit others because of their limited imagination. They must brace-up, go out and get it, and make it their own.”
