Sthenjwa Luthuli, has an exhibition titled Umkhangu/Birthmark at the Norval Foundation that opened on 11 September, and Curator and Exhibition Manager, Tayla Hollamby, introduces us to this impressive body of work.
Listen to the Art Round Up on Fine Music Radio FMR 101.3fm on Fridays at 17h30
Tayla tells us that Sthenjwa Luthuli was born in 1991 in Kwazulu Natal and was originally trained as a printmaker. Now he is known for his wood reliefs and wood cut prints. On exhibition are his wood reliefs, where he uses mixed media such as oil paint and charcoal. There is a heavy sense of pattern and a lot of symbolism in his work, which is vibrant and very intricate.
The title, Umkhangu/Birthmark –Â birthmark being the translation of the Zulu – refers not only to a physical birthmark, but also speak to ones spiritual identity, the presence you have throughout your life. The body of work speaks to transformation and inherited memory. The works are complex and labour intensive, but also physically beautiful.
This is Sthenjwa’s first institutional show in Africa and Norval is delighted to be hosting Umkhangu/Birthmark. The 14 plus works cover his career from 2010 to 2025.
Given that the works are in wood, their fluidity and movement is inexplicable and surprising. The patterns and vibrancy creates the spirituality he wants to achieve. The works are in tune with his culture and heritage and translate that as much as possible into his work.
Tomorrow, Saturday 13 at 11:00, Tayla Hollamby will be doing a walkabout of the exhibition with Sthenjwa Luthuli.
Tayla mentions two other must see exhibitions at Norval Foundation:
Billi Billie Zangewa – textile collages in an exhibition titled Breeding Ground
30 Years of Democracy – 125 artists reflecting on South Africa today.
To fully appreciate the scale and beauty of the work by Sthenjwa Luthuli in Umkhangu/Birthmark you will have to visit the exhibition!
WHAT:Â Sthenjwa Luthuli – Umkhangu/BirthmarkÂ
WHERE: Norval Foundation – Gallery 9,
WHEN: Wed – Sat1 0:00 to 17:00 Sun & Public Hols 10:00 to 16:00
INFO: T 087 654 5900 | E info@norvalfoundation.org | VISIT | Instagram @norvalfoundation | Facebook NorvalFoundation | LinkedIn NorvalFoundation | see also Sthenjwa Luthuli: Umkhangu/Birthmark opens at Norval Foundation on 11 September 2025Â
The WHAT, WHY & WHERE of the
arts scene in around Cape Town
see the 2024 art craft + museums map
and listen in to theÂ
Arts Round Up Fridays @17:30
on Fine Music Radio FMR 101.3fm
The FMR App makes it even easier to tune into the Arts Round Up on Fridays! i-Phone HERE | Android HERE
Another reason Cape Town is placed 3rd in Time Out’s World’s Best Cities for Culture!
