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Celebrating the Work of Themba Shibase

Celebrating the Work of Themba Shibase

Media statement by Nomonde Mbadi, Executive Director of Corporate Affairs

Durban University of Technology (DUT) will be showcasing Hybrid Culture II an art exhibition of old and new works by Durban based artist Themba Shibase.

This show will open for public viewing at DUT Gallery on the 08th of September 2009 and close on the 18th of the same month. Hybrid Culture will be a multimedia exhibition consisting of site specific installation in the form of drawings made directly onto the gallery walls and other 2-dimetional works on paper, canvas, and board. The exhibition will coincide with his graduation for a Master’s Degree in Fine Art.

Background
In addition to being an artist, Shibase also lectures in the department of Fine Art and Jewellery Design at DUT. His work has been featured in a number of prolific group exhibitions nationally. These include New Painting: A group exhibition of recent South African art curated by Storm van Rensburg in 2006. He was nominated as one of four finalists for the 2008 MTN New Contemporary Art Award. His work was also featured in the Spier Contemporary Art Award exhibition which showcased the most recent cutting edge contemporary South African art.

Work
Shibase’s work primarily grapples with the question of identity in its various guises. His work focuses on a variety of issues centered on identity politics (particularly Racial Identity) within the context of urban culture. In his recent artist statement Shibase wrote,

“Through my work I interrogate the often stereotyping and homogenizing notion of authentic African culture which is perpetuated by a colonial gaze informed perspective of Africa and or its people,” says Shibase.

For more information, please contact Bhekani Dlamini on 031 373 2845 to facilitate the interview.