Immerse yourself in the evocative world of Blessing Ngobeni’s latest solo exhibition, “Ntsumi Ya Vutomi,” proudly hosted by the Standard Bank Gallery. Following the resounding success of his prior exhibition, “Chaotic Pleasure” (2020), which earned him the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist of the Year for visual arts, Ngobeni strides forward with a refined approach in his newest showcase. Ngobeni’s artistic evolution resonates throughout this exhibition, marking a departure from his previous bold, chaotic style towards a more lyrical and nuanced expression. His creations grapple with the unspoken brutality of black life, a theme that has remained central to Ngobeni’s artistic journey since his early days. Rooted in his own tumultuous experiences, from a challenging childhood to periods of homelessness and incarceration, his belief in art’s transformative power emerged from witnessing its profound impact within prison walls.

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The essence of Ngobeni’s visual language, notably his mastery of mixed-media collage, stemmed from early struggles to afford art materials. These challenges, coupled with his acute awareness of societal dynamics and a deepening understanding of post-colonial theory, converge to birth a style that is both accessible and boundary-defying.

“Ntsumi Ya Vutomi” is a testament to Ngobeni’s versatility, featuring an eclectic array of mediums, styles, and formats. The exhibition boasts paintings, sculptures, installations, and video animations, promising a rich tapestry of artistic expression without overwhelming its audience. Building upon his prior virtual exhibition, Ngobeni delves deeper into the pervasive violence of the post-colonial era while experimenting with diverse compositional techniques and materials. “I’m working with the experiences that one goes through,” Ngobeni shares, “examining the circumstances that allow others to learn and grow, while others feel discouraged to do things. It is a way of reflecting while looking forward.”

Confronting the rapaciousness of capitalism head-on, Ngobeni incorporates unconventional materials like fur, cotton wool, and fabric into his storytelling repertoire. Works like “Mirrored Soft Life” evoke profound metaphors, where cotton symbolizes an enduring wound, an inheritance of pain from the era of slavery.

Curated by Thembinkosi Goniwe alongside Nkuli Nhleko, “Ntsumi Ya Vutomi” offers a retrospective glimpse into Ngobeni’s artistic evolution. Viewers will encounter familiar pieces alongside lesser-known series, such as “Skeletons at Work,” presenting a departure from his signature style, introducing stripped-down figures in minimalist urban landscapes. Ngobeni’s exhibition embodies diverse emotional tones, ranging from buoyancy and playfulness to didacticism, all while paying homage to artistic influences like Dumile Feni, Gerard Sekoto, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. This showcase transcends the realm of suffering, embracing cross-generational collaboration and celebrating artistic legacies.

Experience “Ntsumi Ya Vutomi” at the Standard Bank Art Gallery from August 3rd to September 16th, 2023, and embark on a visual journey that redefines artistic boundaries and narratives.

Exhibition Details:

Dates: August 3rd to September 16th, 2023
Location: Standard Bank Gallery, corner of Simmonds and Frederick streets, central Johannesburg
Gallery Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
• Saturday: 9 am to 1 pm
  Entrance: Free admission. Safe undercover parking available on the corner of Harrison and Frederick streets.