WAM to interrogate Sam Nhlengethwa’s artistic evolution in new exhibition
JOBURG – Leeto: A Sam Nhlengethwa Print Retrospective presents a collection of Nhlengethwa’s print work to be interrogated
Renowned South African artist, Sam Nhlengethwa is set to be put under scrutiny as Wits Art Museum opens Leeto: A Sam Nhlengethwa Print Retrospective on 11 June.
The exhibition, taking its name from Leeto – a seTswana/Sesotho word which refers to undertaking a journey, explores the ongoing artistic footsteps Nhlengethwa. The critique of his print work from 1978–2018, highlights his use of printmaking as a means of self-expression, collaborations and artistic and intellectual engagements. As well as his work functioning as a site for conversations with the broader public.
The exhibition is underpinned by its exploration of jazz, which can be traced back to the early influence of the underground township jazz community on the artist. Nhlengethwa’s brother was a jazz musician and he began collecting jazz records at the age of 17. The exhibition, therefore, draws links between the fluid nature of jazz improvisation and Nhlengethwa’s study of an ever-changing community.
Leeto: A Sam Nhlengethwa Print Retrospective presents a collection of Nhlengethwa’s print work to be interrogated, his artistic evolution to be mapped out and his personal aesthetics to be interpreted.
