Arts writer
THE Arts and Ubuntu Trust Travelling Art Institute is presenting young Durban-based ceramicist, Sbonelo Tau Luthuli’s work – Ihubo Lengabadi/ Song of the Soil – at the Irma Stern Museum until October 24.
Luthuli, whose inspiration as a pot maker was first inspired by a high school visit to the Durban Art Gallery and a chance exposure to Clive Sithole’s work, is the first young artist to be presented to the public as part of the Institute.
Luthuli works in the tradition of the great ceramic artist Nesta Nala and takes inspiration from her, as well as Clive Sithole and Ian Garrett. Standing on the shoulders of these great South African artists Luthuli takes pot making to a number of levels – spiritual and meditative, intellectual and philosophical – applying his personal journey as the pivot and pen of his narrative.
He skilfully uses every pot he produces to scribe a message, which he hopes reflects meaning in life.
In his words, he says: “I, as a visual artist use my clay pots as a medium of expression just like musicians use music to send a message across. I use my art to convey opinions, pain, and feelings. For me writing on a clay pot is like using a canvas for artists that are painters.”
The reality is that Luthuli’s desire to pursue this life-long profession arose from a chance encounter, as only two% of South Africa’s population visit museums and galleries.
Luthuli’s challenges were not deterrents to fulfilling his dream. Faced with family opposition, financial challenges and, like many young South African artists, he had no portfolio to present to a tertiary institution to apply for art studies. Yet he persisted and enrolled for a one year foundation course in order to pursue his tertiary studies.
When finances prohibited, he had to leave, work at KFC and then come back to his studies later.
Drawing on the strength and artistry of his grandmother, beadwork artist Doyi Luthuli, on his fathers side, and his house builder grandfather Tau, on his mother’s side, this enabled Sbonelo Tau Luthuli to cling to his purpose.
Ultimately his persistence prevailed.
The Arts and Ubuntu Travelling Institute is proud to present his beautiful pots, and their messages that are inspired by African indigenous visual heritage, while demonstrating a progressive contemporary dimension, as well as showing a future with great possibilities.
“We are deeply honoured to present Luthuli’s works, a young artist who draws from ancient art and indigenous knowledge background with such an intense spiritual and philosophical depth,” adds Bridget Thompson, Arts and Ubuntu Trust executive trustee and curator.
The significance of Luthuli’s works was first brought to the institute’s attention by insightful photographs taken by Abdulcadir Ahmed Said.
The artist’s statement, an overview, plus detail for every pot, was written in isiZulu by Sbonelo Tau Luthuli and then translated into English by Sokhaya Charles Nkosi – all of which gives access to a rich, painful, but ultimately inspiring worldview and life experience.
There will be walkabouts with the artist tomorrow and on Thursday and a Saturday morning panel discussion on October 17 at 11am.
l 021 685 5686, www.artsan dubuntutrust.org.za