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South African artist Sthenjwa Luthuli has carved wooden art for American singer Alicia Keys and her husband, Swizz Beatz, and his star continues to rise.
The piece , titled Self Transformation, is a hand-printed woodblock print of a contorted figure against brightly hued green and blue patterned background that appears to shift and shimmer.
The piece, which was exhibited at a 2020 group exhibition called Liminality in Infinite Space in Lagos, Nigeria, was sold through the African Artists Foundation
The 33-year-old artist from Botha's Hill in KwaZulu-Natal is currently in London to exhibit his latest work Inzalo Ye Langa (Birthplace of the Sun).
But he had to overcome many challenges to get where he is today.
“Growing up was particularly difficult for me because I faced significant educational obstacles,” he tells YOU.
“I was unable to read or write, not even in my mother tongue. This made it extremely challenging to navigate the education system, and I ultimately dropped out in 2008 when I was in Grade 9.”
Sthenjwa used the opportunity to find his purpose in life.
“I began exploring my roots and reflecting on my upbringing, and I discovered solace and purpose through drawing,” he says.
From a young age, he was passionate about working with his hands. He excelled at handmade projects and demonstrated a natural talent for art in primary school.
After dropping out of high school, he was introduced to the BAT Centre in Durban, a community arts development and cultural entertainment centre, where he honed his skills.
“I dedicated a year to practising art, specifically focusing on printmaking.”
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Today he carves wood and paints culturally inspired prints.
He's inspired by his roots and what it means to be African.
“I work primarily with Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF or Supawood) because it originates from nature, and in African culture, we hold a deep appreciation for natural elements,” he says.
He also draws inspiration from his family, as he recently discovered that his grandfather crafted traditional wooden trays called Isithebe, which were used as plates during family gatherings.
“In my artistic process, I begin by generating ideas from my personal realm, which I refer to as the unknown space where my creative essence resides.”
He first sketches his ideas using pencil before meticulously carving the wood and painting each piece.
The resourceful artist leaves nothing to waste; he even uses the sawdust from his carvings in his work.
Sthenjwa is inspired by Wangechi Mutu, a Kenyan-born American visual artist known for her paintings, sculpture, film and performance work.
He also admires the work Nigerian-born artist Yinka Shonibare which explores cultural identity, colonialism, and post-colonialism within the contemporary context of globalisation.
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Sthenjwa has displayed his work locally and abroad.
In 2021 he showcased Umthente Uhlaba Usamila at BKhz Gallery, Johannesburg, and last year, a gallery in Ghana displayed his Imbewu Yokhokho (The Seed of Our Ancestors) collection.
He hopes to one day own a gallery where he can share his knowledge and passion with upcoming artists – and nothing will stand in his way.
“You can achieve anything if you believe in your dreams," he says. "They are waiting for you, so pursue them with unwavering determination.”
EXTRA SOURCE: ARTSY.NET
