"The experience of loss is not a sloped gradient; it is random black dots on an endless linear." – Cathy Sweeney, Modern Times
Between late-2017 and 2021, the artist Sethembile Msezane went through a challenging period of personal loss and the works on show at BKhz for Liguqubele iZulu reflect on these experiences.
Much like the quote above, Msezane's monochromatic paintings of cloud formations show loss and the feelings of anger, uncertainty and pain which come with it as being fluid, unpredictable and changing.
Through these paintings which utilise rainwater, plants used in snuff and Msezane's breath creating patterns over the canvas, the artist shows that rather than there being a simple path towards healing one has to constantly reflect on and work through their loss.
The artist says, "Ultimately, in fusing the healing that I found in landscapes as well as waterscapes was the message of surrender."
As the clouds shift from a fog of darkness, to heavy rain clouds and break into filtered sunshine, Msezane's meditations connect the physical and spiritual and the work grapples with how their emotions filter into the world and vice versa.
Exhibition opens Sat, Apr 15 18:00–21:00 with a conversation between the artist and BKhz. Dress code is all white. No RSVP required. Everyone is welcome.
