The captivating journey of Mondli Mbhele, crowned winner of the esteemed 2022 Sasol New Signatures Art Competition, unfolds in his upcoming solo exhibition, “Ingoma Yothando,” set to grace the halls of the Pretoria Art Museum from September 7th to October 29th, 2023. Hailing from Cato Manor in Durban, Mbhele’s artistic odyssey commenced with a year-long visual art program at the Bat Centre, coupled with active participation in the Velobala Weekend Classes hosted by the Durban University of Technology. Notably, Mbhele is a valued member of the Amasosha Art movement—an association of young Durban artists dedicated to fostering creativity and cultivating professionalism and unity.

The crescendo of Mbhele’s journey arrived in 2022 when he clinched the top spot in the prestigious Sasol New Signatures Art Competition with his captivating and thought-provoking artwork, “Iphasi nesiphesheli.” Now, with his debut solo exhibition, “Ingoma Yothando,” he delves into a profound exploration of transformation within South Africa’s youth. Translated from isiZulu, “Ingoma Yothando” encapsulates the theme of his work—”Song of Love”—a powerful expression of his creative vision.

Mbhele’s art reverberates with poignant questions about transformation, particularly within the lives of South Africa’s youth. His vision finds deep resonance in the tapestry of traditional dances and their harmonious melodies. These dances, deeply intertwined with various ceremonies such as introductions of new family members, initiations, weddings, funerals, and harvest seasons, have long honored those who came before. This fusion of movement and music acts as a bridge to the past, instilling balance in both physical and spiritual lives, spanning generations. Yet, in the face of advancing technology and omnipresent social media, Mbhele’s mission is to safeguard these traditions from being eclipsed.

The medium of fabric collage serves as a metaphor for Mbhele’s interpretation of everyday existence. He eloquently describes fabric as an extension of our bodies, nurturing confidence and providing a canvas for each new day. Recognizing the unique qualities and value within discarded fabric offcuts, Mbhele transforms them into a new dialogue—a bridge between the disregarded and the valued. This technique unveils a stunning tapestry of colliding images, unraveling a sobering commentary on modern society’s fixation on instant gratification and its tendency to overlook time-honored values and rituals.

Cate Terblanche, Sasol’s Art Curator, underscores the significance of fabric offcuts in Mbhele’s work, highlighting their vibrancy, individuality, style, and cultural pride. However, their intricate use in forming a mosaic of juxtaposed images conveys a message about contemporary society’s fast-paced tendencies, devotion to social media, and sidelining of enduring traditions.

Mbhele’s solo exhibition, “Ingoma Yothando,” harmoniously coincides with the Sasol New Signatures 2023 exhibition at the revered Pretoria Art Museum. The winners of the 2023 competition will be unveiled on Wednesday, September 6th, 2023, with their artworks joining a selection of 118 masterpieces curated by judges from across South Africa. Each piece stands as a testament to the nation’s rich artistic diversity, painting a vivid portrait of contemporary expression.