Durban based ceramicist, Sbonelo Tau Luthuli, will be doing walk-abouts of his exhibition at the Irma Stern Museum on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday this week.
The Arts and Ubuntu Trust Travelling Art Institute will present ceramicist, Sbonelo Tau Luthuli’s work – Ihubo Lengabadi/ Song of the Soil – in Cape Town at the Irma Stern Museum from 10 -24 October. Luthuli whose inspiration as a pot maker was first inspired by a high school visit to the Durban Art Gallery and a chance exposure to Clive Sithole’s work, is the first young artist to be presented to the public as part of the Arts and Ubuntu Travelling Art Institute. This is made possible by the Mzansi Golden Economy Fund of the Department of Arts and Culture.
Luthuli works in the tradition of the great ceramic artist, Nesta Nala and takes inspiration from her as well as Clive Sithole and Ian Garrett.
Standing on the shoulders of these great South African artists Luthuli takes pot making to a number of levels – profoundly spiritual and meditative, highly intellectual and philosophical – applying his personal journey as the pivot and pen of his narrative. He skilfully uses every pot he produces to scribe a message reflecting meaning in life.
In his words, he says: “I, as a visual artist use my clay pots as a medium of expression just like musicians use music to send a message across. I use my art to convey opinions, pain, and feelings. For me writing on a clay pot is like using a canvas for artists that are painters.”
The sad reality of South Africa is that Luthuli’s desire to pursue this life long profession arose from a chance encounter as only 2% of South Africa’s population visits museums and galleries.
Luthuli’s challenges were not deterrents to fulfilling his dream, faced with family opposition, financial challenges and, like 95% of young South African artists, he had no portfolio to present to a tertiary institution to apply for art studies, he persisted and enrolled for a one year foundation course in order to pursue his tertiary studies. When finances prohibited, he had to leave, work at KFC and then come back to his studies later.
Drawing on the strength and artistry of his grandmother, Doyi Luthuli on his fathers side, a beadwork artist and his grandfather Tau, on his mother’s side, a house builder, enabled Sbonelo Tau Luthuli to cling to his purpose.
Ultimately his persistence prevailed. The Arts and Ubuntu Travelling Institute is proud to present Luthuli’s beautiful pots, and their messages that are inspired by African indigenous visual heritage, while demonstrating a progressive contemporary dimension, as well as showing a future with great possibilities.
“We are deeply honoured to present Luthuli’s works, a young artist who draws from ancient art and indigenous knowledge background with such an intense spiritual and philosophical depth,” Bridget Thompson, Arts and Ubuntu Trust executive trustee & curator.
WHERE: Irma Stern Museum Cecil Rd, Rosebank, Cape Town 7700
Walkabout with artist: Tues 13 – 11h00, Thurs 15 – 11h00, Sat 17 – 10h00
ABOUT THE ARTS AND UBUNTU TRUST
The Arts and Ubuntu Trust was formed in 2005 to honour the memory of the late Ernest Mancoba – painter and sculptor (1904-2002). A commemorative exhibition In the name of all Humanity the African Spiritual expression of Ernest Mancoba showed for 9 months at the Gold of Africa Museum Cape Town (2006-2007).
