Initially starting out as a series of photographs, Oratile ‘Papi’ Konopi’s Ênê is a multi-textual series of artwork that critique the conversations we have with each other. The collection does not only highlight the complexities of language in its musings of identity, gender and sexuality, but urges the observer to take a reflexive view of themselves and the relationships they have with those around them.
“I started exploring more music, listening to music and unpacking the lyrics. I won’t lie, African literature really influenced me to go back to reading and looking at language. African languages and African literature really influenced the way I approach my work right now,” he said.
Taking the form of a newspaper headline board, the Bua Le Ênê poster series is but one of the mediums through which the 21-yearold multi-disciplinary artist exposes and complicates our understanding of gendered identities through our relationships.
“When I say Bua Le Ênê I’m looking at how a person begins to speak – how they speak to their partner, in a group of people and how they reflect upon themselves and what they think of their identity away from being next to someone else. When I started using the headliners I wanted something that would continue this.”
Having been featured in a number of group exhibitions and occupying unconventional art spaces such as the Bree Taxi Rank and Mickey’s Tavern in Braamfontein, Oratile shies away from the notoriety of art being too distant from the people.
“I really wanted to bring it back to the people because I was taking it from them. This actual posters were interventions into their everyday lived experiences. A poster that echoes something familiar.”
In November, Oratile was one of 11 artists featured in BKhz’s group exhibition, Mix Messages. The exhibition showcased artists who address different topics that show the role of language in their works. The texts in the works go across straightforward meanings to abstract and humorous.
“This work is really about self-reflection. I’m hoping to become more self-aware and really reach out and find ways we can connect. I really wanted to speak to someone else – I was yearning for intimacy and find a way of healing the experiences that I’ve encountered.”
Browse through the gallery below for a glimpse of some of the works featured in the Bua Le Ênê poster series:
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