Umbango (Conflict) Superwood cut block

Sthenjwa Hopewell Luthuli
2

Umbango (Conflict)
Superwood cut block
130cm x 184cm

We are challenged to adapt and survive in a society that is constantly changing. This work, in particular, reflects the cultural politics with regards to the traditional Zulu rituals and customs within the contemporary family setting. There are specific traditional sacrifices implemented in order for an individual to claim their identity from their father’s side. However, this may affect the relationship between the two families and create conflict if the proper cultural rituals aren’t performed accordingly. Looking back at the prehistoric eras, within the Nguni cultural procedures, this tradition was formally organised through a bartering system. Here cattle played a vital component when family members were to demand their identities. The majority couldn’t meet the required amount of livestock which then further created massive debts for the upcoming generations, as they could not by traditional laws, request their rightful cultural identities.

The piece I submitted titled Umbango is constructed in an aesthetically pleasing technique, yet on the contrary, contains really complex subjects in terms of their content. Umbango ultimately means ‘conflict’, and in this instance, it is domestic contradictions inside traditional Zulu contemporary family methods.

Sthenjwa was born in Bothas Hill in 1991 and attended Thornwood secondary school. In 2010, he joined Visual Art classes at the BAT Centre and says that these classes familiarised him with the industry of art, and encouraged him to further explore and develop his creativity. As a result of his dedication, commitment and talent he was selected to further take part in the Velobala mentorship programme in 2012. This exposed Sthenjwa to a more extensive Visual Art course in a formal environment, at the department of Fine Art at the Durban University of Technology. Sthenjwa was mentored by Themba Shibase, artist and lecturer at the Department of Fine Art at the Durban University of Technology.

Sthenjwa is inspired by a number of artists including, Wangechi Mutu, Owusu Ankomah and Yinka Shonibare. Since 2011 he has participated in a number of group exhibitions in KwaZulu-Natal and Johannesburg. In 2012 he further participated in various exhibitions in Bremen, Germany and completed a mural project in the Concordia Tunnel, which runs along the collections and in the international collection of the Leiterin der stadtischen Galerie in Bremen Germany.