A Master’s in Applied Arts in Photography student at the Durban University of Technology, Thalente Khomo, has been selected to exhibit her work at the G20 Art Project – Together We Art Exhibition which is currently being held at the Bihar Museum in Patna, India.
Khomo (27) from Gcilima on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, is excited to have received recognition from such a prestigious art institution. The exhibition started on Monday, 07 August 2023 and is set to end on Saturday, 07 October 2023. She is currently in India for the exhibition, after arriving in Patna on Monday, 07 August 2023.
The talented, Thalente Khomo.
She shared that the exhibition was themed: ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ which emphasises unity, sustainability, ecology, identity, and collective futures through visual arts. In addition, she said the exhibition is a significant cultural project representing the shared heritage of the G20 member nations and guest countries. According to Khomo, the aim of the exhibition was to celebrate the diversity of creative expression among the participating countries.
Khomo, who is now based in Johannesburg and Durban, also works as a freelance artist exploring various forms of artistic expression, including photography, textile, performance and printmaking. She holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in Photography from DUT.
Khomo was in awe and extremely grateful for this international recognition of her work.
“The news came as a heart-warming acknowledgment of my artistic endeavours, and it has motivated me to continue pushing the boundaries of my creativity. While I’m not entirely certain of the specific details behind my selection, I had the opportunity to enquire with the organisers, who kindly expressed that my work resonated with the exhibition’s theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’. They believed that my artistic journey and dedication deserved representation in the Biennale, an interactive, musical and kinetic exhibition of design and design-led innovation from across the globe. I found incredibly humbling and encouraging,” shared Khomo.
She is looking forward to the exhibition, as an opportunity to expand her artistic network, connect with fellow creatives, and foster valuable collaborations. Additionally, she hopes this exhibition will serve as a stepping stone towards new and exciting opportunities in her career as an artist.
“This will be my second time exhibiting my work internationally, and I am honoured to be part of such an esteemed event showcasing diverse contemporary concerns of sustainability, ecology, and identity. I will be showcasing a single photograph that aligns perfectly with the theme ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ reflecting on contemporary issues related to sustainability, ecology, and identity,” shared the excited Khomo.
After the exhibition, she has an upcoming residency at the DUT Fine Art Department, where she will be under the mentorship and facilitation of Witty Nyide Mchunu. Following that, in November 2023, she will embark on an art residency in Germany, which will extend until January 2024.
Throughout her artistic journey, Khomo has been fortunate to have mentors who played a pivotal role in her growth and development. Notably, she mentioned Mthobisi Maphumulo, the founder of the Amasosha Art Movement, whom she claimed has been a guiding force, shaping the way she perceived the art world and professional artistic practices.
The ecstatic Khomo shared that she was thrilled to be part of the ‘G20 Art Project – Together We Art’, expressing her eagerness to present her work alongside talented artists from around the world. She is deeply grateful for the support she has received and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Pictured: Thalente Khomo’s artwork to be exhibited in India.
Simangele Zuma
