Gqeberha-based artist Snelihle Asanda Maphumulo, at just 22, has garnered attention with her powerful mixed media installation, Umnikelo. This evocative work, consisting of 18 components and spanning 80 cm by 135 cm, explores the role of women within the Zulu culture. The installation integrates symbolic materials like wax plates, sheep hides, and crates, each element embodying themes of service, sacrifice, and cultural rituals.

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Snelihle shares insights on her creative journey, inspiration, and aspirations for her artistic future.

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Tell us what your reaction was when you received the news that your work had been selected?

[SNELIHLE ASANDA MAPHUMULO]: I literally could not believe it! It felt like I was dreaming. I remember just screaming and running around in the studio while praising God for being selected. THIS IS HUGE! My day instantly brightened up, and I even got more motivation to work on my other artworks.

Is this the first time you have entered the competition? If so why and if not how many times, and why is this competition an important one for you?

[SNELIHLE ASANDA MAPHUMULO]: Yes, this is my first time entering the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition. I was encouraged by my friends and art lecturer to enter, so I took a shot. I had no intention to enter, so I am grateful for their support. This competition is important to me as it will give me the opportunity to showcase my artwork and to mingle with other artists.

Tell us a little about your artistic journey up until the point of entering Sasol New Signatures 2024?

[SNELIHLE ASANDA MAPHUMULO]: Growing up, I always enjoyed painting and drawing. When I got into university, I started challenging myself to use different mediums such as printmaking, graphic design, photography, and sculpture. In my third year of being a Fine Art student, I found myself drawn more into the medium of sculpture. I then started experimenting with found material and finding ways to tap into my artistic language.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career as an artist to date?

[SNELIHLE ASANDA MAPHUMULO]: My biggest influence, I would say, is God. He has given me this gift to create art, and the majority of the ideas I have had over the years come from Him. I am grateful that He has given me this ability to create art that speaks to different audiences. If I may add, my family (especially my mother) has been so supportive in helping me to pursue a career in art and allowing me to do my thing.

Tell us a little about why you created the piece you submitted?

[SNELIHLE ASANDA MAPHUMULO]: The inspiration for the body of work is complex in an interesting way because it stems from a place of feeling like an outsider in my own culture. The idea of serving in the Zulu culture is highly valued. There was a season in my life where I attended many Zulu ceremonies. I started noticing the amount of endless serving that women did and prioritizing the needs of others first. The wax plates stand as a signifier of this endless serving and just the intersectionality of gender. The found materials seen in this body of work stand as signifiers of what one would typically find in Zulu ceremonies. I have arranged the crates in such a way that they represent a group of men sitting together and feasting, while the women serve them.

Tell us about your preferred medium/s …and why?

[SNELIHLE ASANDA MAPHUMULO]: My recent preferred medium is found material such as sheep hide, cow hide, and goat hide. I am drawn to the way I can manipulate materials that already exist by recreating them into an artwork. I also enjoy the sense of control that I have over the material, which sometimes does not work in my favor. I enjoy feeling different textures as I work on my pieces.

When people view your work – what reaction/response are you hoping to create?

[SNELIHLE ASANDA MAPHUMULO]: I find it so hard to answer such questions…I want the audience to be open-minded and have their own interpretation of the work. I always enjoy hearing different interpretations that people have. I hope that this work creates an inviting response from the audience.

Why do you think your work was chosen as one of the winning works?

[SNELIHLE ASANDA MAPHUMULO]: I think my work was selected because it pushes the limitations of sculpture and installation art in general. The visual interpretation of the concepts I chose to use is clear and provides links for the viewer. It is also quality work that has a presence in the exhibition. It immediately creates an atmosphere in the space.

Which South African artists do you admire and why?

[SNELIHLE ASANDA MAPHUMULO]: Recently, I have found myself really admiring Nandipha Mntambo. Her work is amazing! (I would love to meet her one day, by the way). She has inspired the conceptual frameworks toward my work. Her use of cow skin to challenge conventional connections with physical presence, femininity, sexuality, and vulnerability is admirable to me.

Do you have an idea of what your first solo exhibition would look like?

[SNELIHLE ASANDA MAPHUMULO]: I would like my exhibition to have different components where the audience would discover installations as they walk in the exhibition. I have been experimenting with sound lately, so I would definitely add sound in my installations. That’s all I have for now…

Anything else you would like to add?

[SNELIHLE ASANDA MAPHUMULO]: I just want to say THANK YOU to everyone who makes the Sasol New Signatures Competition a possibility for us emerging artists. Keep doing it!

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Snelihle work is a testament to her dedication to highlighting women’s roles in traditional Zulu ceremonies. Through her piece Umnikelo, she sheds light on cultural expectations, gender dynamics, and the silent strength of women in her community.

Featured Image(s) & Interview Source: Supplied