Locals are encouraged to visit Bambo Sibiya’s solo exhibition at Circa Gallery

Acrylic and charcoal artist, Bambo Sibiya will present a body of work that imagines a restorative and redemptive world through his solo exhibition, Ngemva Kokuqubuka – After Precarity at the Circa Gallery from June 1 to July 27.

Sibiya’s latest work transcends a representation of black and femme subjects.

He inserts a black figure into luxurious planes of geometric forms and swirling abstractions in a kind of visual rebellion: a precarious equilibrium of chaos and order. An explosive iconography of colour, pattern, and texture, taps into the subcultures of music, dance, and fashion.

Sibiya explained that he does not want his identity lost in the global art world when he is firmly embedded in the culture and narrative of South Africa. “It is time to celebrate what I am doing in my place of birth because my roots are here and I am excited to be able to contribute to re-telling history as a voice from the global South.”

The subjects’ meticulously styled hair, created and designed by the artist, takes on a sculptural form, becoming a visual symbol of cultural pride and self-expression, makeup emphasises the artist’s intention to celebrate the diversity and vibrancy of the black gaze.

It serves as a refreshing counterpoint to the pervasive media narratives of struggle and poverty often associated with black communities. The exhibition doesn’t shy away from depicting the complexities of the black experience, it does so by prioritising agency and empowerment. The artist invites viewers to engage with the subjects on their terms, celebrating their individual stories and highlighting their inherent power and resilience.

A unique element of the exhibition is a dedicated space titled The Library. Visitors are encouraged to engage with various curated materials related to their artistic practice. Notepads and sketches, accessories from photo shoots, experimental drafts, production notes and annotations will function as a window into Sibiya’s creative process.

Sibiya’s work is not a soothing balm for troubled souls. It’s a provocative interrogation that plunges us into the messy complexity of the world we live in. It is a powerful testament to the human spirit and its capacity to find beauty and resilience amid chaos.

Related articles: Standard Bank’s 30 Baker Street Atrium hosts Trash to Art

Local aims to help nurture upcoming artists and music engineers