Sbonelo Tau Luthuli, a ceramic artist who graduated from the Durban University of Technology, opened a solo exhibition of his recent work: The Song of the Soil at the Durban Art Gallery which runs until Sunday, 23 November 2014.

Luthuli, who graduated in Fine Art at DUT in 2011, is a regular participant in group exhibitions and showcases across the country. In 2012, he showcased his work at the Earth Revelations: A Conversation in Clay exhibition, in New York.

Last year (2013), Luthuli was awarded a highly commended certificate at the Ceramics Southern Africa Regional Exhibition in Durban. In 2012, he received a Merit Award at the Ceramics Southern Africa Regional Exhibition, and in 2010 was a Premier Award winner at the Ceramics Southern Africa National Exhibition held at The Gallery at Grande Provence, Western Cape.

“In my work, I use ceramic vessels (izinkamba) as a premise to challenge, question, comment on certain aspects of rules and laws that serve as guidelines when creating ceramic vessels. I use them to comment on social and personal aspects of my life.

My vessels are designed with a variety of angular, straight and geometric patterns that make reference to ‘amasumpa’ (raised patterns similar to raised “warts” or bumps).

I also introduce other material on the surface of the vessel such as goat hide and I consciously create the imbalance when the vessel is seated and slightly skewing the vessel giving it a tilted appearance. In addition to this, I break its functionality by closing its top which again challenges the notion of how traditional pots are viewed in terms of use and their function,” he said.

Luthuli added that his vessels were inspired by traditional domestic vessels that were previously produced for functional purposes. He said his work brings in a “distinct voice”, a design identity that reflects his ideologies and his thoughts, adding that his vessels reflect a totally unique look that is contemporary and reflective of today’s culture. His work subverts and challenges the traditional cannons of vessel making.

“I achieve this by playing around with essential elements of traditional domestic vessels, such as the form of the vessel, shape, size and the inconsistence of a design on the surface of the vessel. I am mostly interested in the design, the shape and the form of the vessel which gives a voice to my work,” he said.
A series of workshops, walk-abouts and events will also accompany the exhibition.

-Illa Thompson – Publicity Matters

Pictured: Durban ceramic artist, Sbonelo Tau Luthuli, showcases a solo exhibition of his recent work: The Song of the Soil at the Durban Art Gallery.
Photo: Copydog