LIYO MKHATSHWA (28) – 2024 MERIT AWARD WINNER FROM JOHANNESBURG

Bonginkosi Liyo MKHATSHWA (28)

Johannesburg

Traditional innovation (Unity & Innovative water carrier)

Mixed media

Diptych: 44 cm x 27 cm x 14 cm; 33 cm x 30,5 cm x 29,5 cm

Mkhatshwa Bonginkosi Liyo’s body of work delves into the artistic representation of the indomitable spirit of rural optimism amidst the challenges of living in South African rural areas. Through mixed media artefacts, he aims to highlight the resilience and determination of rural communities to face adversity head-on and adapt to their circumstances. Despite the lack of essential services, which often forces rural women and children to undertake arduous journeys on foot to fetch water or travel long distances to school, his art seeks to celebrate and honour the optimism, spirit, and resilience of rural communities. The water containers featured in the work, typically used for storing chemicals, are repurposed in rural areas to carry and store water. Through the use of acrylic paint and ink, these containers are transformed into symbols of artistic representation, serving as a tribute to the rural way of life, celebrating the optimism and resilience of rural dwellers, challenging stereotypes and showcasing the beauty and strength of rural communities.

Q&A

Tell us what your reaction was when you received the news that your work had be selected?

I felt recognised and it gives me hope and strength to continue to create more and be more creative in future. I felt like my voice and that of the voiceless is heard.

Is this the first time you have entered the competition? If so why and if not how many times and why is this competition an important one for you?

Yes, it is my first time. Sasol New Signatures Art Competition is one of the best and most recognised emerging art promoters in South Africa. I did not waste time to apply the minute I saw the post and the opportunity to upgrade my artistic biography and CV.

Tell us a little about your artistic journey up until the point of entering Sasol New Signatures 2024?

My artistic journey began when I used to see my uncle’s drawings at the young age, and I was exposed to drawing. After my matric I went to pursue art as career at Vaal University of Technology where I got exposed to more knowledge about art and where I obtained my Diploma (2021), Advanced Diploma (Cum Laude, 2022) and my Postgrad Diploma in Fine Art in 2023. During my time at varsity, I took part in the following group exhibitions: Commemoration of Dr Peko Portrait exhibition in 2020 at VUT, University Art vs Kasi art exhibition at Sharpeville art centre in 2020, then Thami Mnyele Top 100 in 2022, University of Pretoria exhibition in 2023 and 2024 Turbine Art Fair. Furthermore, in 2022 and 2023, I successfully participated in Art Bank of SA art acquisition and art creation, and now I am one of the Sasol New Signatures winners!

Who has had the biggest influence on your career as an artist to date? 

First it was my uncle, then Gilbert Maepa (artist and mentor) and Nkululeko Khumalo (artist and lecturer).

Tell us a little about why you created the piece you submitted? 

I created both Unity and Traditional innovative water carrier to create awareness and celebrate the daily experiences of rural life moments of success, joy, love, and friendship found despite adversity. Using acrylic paint and ink on the water containers is a symbol of serving as a tribute to the rural way of life and challenging stereotypes, while showcasing the beauty and strength of rural communities.

My body of work was created to emphasise the rural human spirit, showcasing the native resilience that drives individuals to confront and overcome challenges such as water scarcity, load shedding, and the instability of the rural education system.

Tell us about your preferred medium/s ...and why? 

I am a mixed media artist. I am obsessed with charcoal, acrylic paint and ink on different surfaces, such as brown paper, water containers or other found objects. With mixed media there’s no limitation, it makes me think out of the box to expand my creativity and create amazing artworks. 

When people view your work – what reaction/response are you hoping to create? 

I want my audience to connect and relate with their own experiences through my work in a sense of love, joy, and unity and have a positive perception about rural areas.

Why do you think your work was chosen as one of the winning works?

I believe, it evokes curiosity and it’s unique. The surfaces used and the techniques are the ‘new signature’ that the competition was hoping to get.

Which South African artists do you admire and why?

Thato Motane, and Gilbert Maepa, although they are emerging artists like I am, but I admire their working techniques. I also admire Nelson Makamo, and Phillemon Hlungwani. Both Makamo and Hlungwani, have influenced my creation as we share similar background of coming from rural areas.