Interview with Mbali Tshabalala
Published 23 May 2024 in Artists Interviews
By Nolan Stevens
As the curator of
the Deconstructed series of month-long solo exhibitions, I caught up
with Mbali Tshabalala ahead of the opening of her solo exhibition, Fragments
of Infinity: Unveiling Multidimensional Realms, to find out about her
process ahead of the June showcasing.
Mbali will be the 2nd
artist participating in the Deconstructed solo exhibition series that
strips down each artist’s practice to their bare bones, allowing them to
experiment with different mediums and processes.
Nolan:
HI Mbali, for those who aren't familiar with your work, how would you describe
your practice?
Mbali:
My practice is an exploration of identity through the lens of race, gender, and
social structures. I often use mixed media, photography, including printmaking
techniques, to create thought-provoking works that challenge societal norms and
celebrate the complexities of human experience.
Nolan:
Could you guide us through the shifting in theme, subject and process you've
employed in this DECONSTRUCTED exhibition?
Mbali:
For this DECONSTRUCTED exhibition, I'm delving
deeper into the idea of fragmentation and deconstructing established
narratives. Expect to see a shift from my usual subjects towards a more
abstract exploration, with a focus on symbolic elements. I'm also experimenting
with new processes, incorporating different materials and techniques to push
the boundaries of my artistic voice.
Nolan:
What is it you would like visitors of this upcoming exhibition to take with
them after seeing it?
Mbali:
I hope visitors leave with a sense of introspection
and a questioning of their own perspectives. My aim is to spark conversations
about the complexities of identity and the importance of challenging
pre-conceived notions.
Nolan:
How have you been affected by the process of creating the works which will be
exhibited for this exhibition?
Mbali:
The creative process for this body of work has been
one of self-discovery. Experimenting with new methods and delving deeper into
these themes has been challenging but ultimately rewarding. It's forced me to
confront my own biases and explore aspects of my identity in a new light.
Nolan:
Have you started thinking about the next explorations of your artistic
narrative to come after this showing, or is it still early days for those sorts
of thought?
Mbali:
While
my focus is currently on this new work, new ideas are always bubbling away. The
exploration of identity is a vast and ever-evolving journey. The themes I'm
tackling in this exhibition might spark new directions for my future work, but
it's too early to say for sure. I am however
experimenting with ceramics and am constantly inspired by the world around me,
and I'm sure new narratives will emerge in due course.
