SNELIHLE ASANDA MAPHUMULO (22) – 2024 MERIT AWARD WINNER FROM GQEBERHA

Snelihle Asanda MAPHUMULO (22)

Gqeberha

Umnikelo

Mixed media

18-part installation: 80 cm x 135 cm

Umnikelo is a self-directed body of work that speaks to the changes that occur in the positionality of women in the Zulu culture. The wax plates signify the fragility of the matriarchal roles in the Zulu homesteads as women are constantly having to “stand in the gap” for men. These plates also represent the act of endless serving that women must endure in families. This “serving” (ukunikela) is seen as an important part of the Zulu ceremonies as it shows the responsibility of women in the Zulu culture. This notion of serving is hinted at in the concave traditional trays used to serve meals for men. The sheep hides represent the characteristics of sheep similar to women, which are submissive, intelligent and fragile. The hides speak of the animal sacrifices that my great-grandfather had to make and the importance of these ceremonies. The stack of wax plates symbolizes the endless number of people who come to ceremonies that need to be served. These crates not only stand for the excessive beer consumption in the ceremonies but also as a structure that men sit on while they feast in traditional settings. The hides speak of the animal sacrifices that my great-grandfather had to make and the importance of these ceremonies. Most of the women in my family are usually behind the planning of the ceremonies. The stack of wax plates symbolizes the endless amount of people who come to ceremonies that need to be served.

Q&A

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

I literally could not believe it! It felt like I was dreaming. I remember just screaming and running around in the studio while praising God for being selected. THIS IS HUGE ! My day instantly brightened up and I even got more motivation to work on my other artworks.

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, this is my first time entering the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition. I was encouraged by my friends and art lecturer to enter so I took a shot. I had no intention to enter so I am grateful for their support. This competition is important to me as it will give me the opportunity to showcase my artwork and to mingle with other artists.

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

Growing up, I always enjoyed painting and drawing. When I got into University, I started challenging myself to use different mediums such as printmaking, graphic design, photography and sculpture. In my 3rd year of being a Fine Art student, I found myself drawn more into the medium of sculpture. I then started experimenting with found material and finding ways to tap into my artistic language.

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

My biggest influence, I would say, is God. He has given me this gift to create art and the majority of the ideas I have had over the years come from Him. I am grateful that He has given me this ability to create art that speaks to different audiences. If I may add, my family (especially my mother), has been so supportive in helping me to pursue a career in art and allowing me to do my thing.

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

The inspiration for the body of work is complex in an interesting way because it stems from a place of feeling like an outsider in my own culture. The idea of serving in the Zulu culture is highly valued. There was a season in my life where I attended many Zulu ceremonies. I started noticing the amount of endless serving that women did and prioritising the needs of others first. The wax plates stand as a signifier of this endless serving and just the intersectionality of gender. The found materials seen in this body of work stand as signifiers of what one would typically find in Zulu ceremonies. I have arranged the crates in such a way that they represent a group of men sitting together and feasting, while the women serve them.

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

My recent preferred medium is found material such as sheep hide, cow hide and goat hide. I am drawn to the way I can manipulate materials that already exist by recreating them into an artwork. I also enjoy the sense of control that I have over the material which sometimes does not work in my favour. I enjoy feeling different textures as I work on my pieces.

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

I find it so hard to answer such questions...I want the audience to be open minded and have their own interpretation of the work. I always enjoy hearing different interpretations that people have. I hope that this work creates an inviting response from the audience.

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

I think my work was selected because it pushes the limitations of sculpture and installation art in general. The visual interpretation of the concepts I chose to use are clear and provide links for the viewer. It is also quality work that has a presence in the exhibition. It immediately creates an atmosphere in the space. 

Which South African artists do you admire and why?

Recently, I have found myself really admiring Nandipha Mntambo. Her work is amazing! (I would love to meet her one day btw). She has inspired the conceptual frameworks towards my work. Her use of cow skin to challenge conventional connections with physical presence, femininity, sexuality, and vulnerability is admirable to me.

Do you have an idea of what your first solo exhibition would look like?

I would like my exhibition to have different components where the audience would discover installations as they walk in the exhibition. I have been experimenting with sound lately and so I would definitely add sound in my installations. That’s all I have for now...

Anything else you would like to add?
I just want to say THANK YOU to everyone who makes the Sasol New Signatures Competition a possibility for us emerging artists. Keep doing it!