Inside the studio: A conversation with Siphamandla Ex

The process of conceptualising an exhibition is often a dynamic exchange between the artist and curator, where ideas are tested, refined, and reimagined.

In preparation for the upcoming DECONSTRUCTED exhibition, I sat down with Siphamandla Ex in his studio, a space brimming with creative energy and the beginnings of what will soon be on display. Our conversation was a true back-and-forth, reflecting the collaborative nature of bringing a show to life. 

Nolan Stevens: You do understand what the DECONSTRUCTED exhibitions downstairs are attempting to do, right? The main thing was to break down everybody’s practice to its fundamental point, as in what’s the core idea of the work you’re doing. 

Siphamandla, amidst the pressures of multiple ongoing projects, shared his thoughts. 

Siphamandla Ex: To be honest, I can’t, right now I can’t experiment (chuckles), I have a lot of work; I have this show, I have to produce three works with those canvases that you see there for a group show at Lizamore Gallery in the same month. 

Despite the tight schedule, his commitment to exploring the deeper concepts of his work was evident.