Mpumelelo Buthelezi's solo exhibition Ukuzihlukanisa explores ideas of self-reflection, identity, and spirituality through black and white digital photographs. 

Through a series of self-portraits and portraits, Mpumelelo has produced a new body of work that takes inspiration from the isolation experienced during the national lockdown. In the initial stages he used his bedroom as a studio to make the self-portraits, seen in the choice of props used by the artist: bubble wrap, tin foil, lace fabric, bed sheets, and other materials found in a home. The images attempt to depict the meditative state of the artist when he started to wonder about the biblical concept of an angel and how he could elevate himself spiritually to attain the level of divinity and purity described in the holy book. As the process developed, Mpumelelo invited his friends to participate in the act of image-making, reflecting a need for companionship.

'Ukuzihlukanisa' is part of the Bag Factory’s 2022 Young/Unframed exhibition programme, pairing an emerging artist with an aspiring curator to realise a solo exhibition with mentorship and support from the Bag Factory’s team and studio artists. Mpumelelo Buthelezi is the 2021 Cassirer Welz Award winner and the exhibition is curated by Thlalefi Maditsi. This exhibition was made possible with support from Strauss&Co, National Arts Council and Business and Arts South Africa Supporting Grants Programme.

Walkabout: Saturday June 18 at 11:00 Bag Factory, 10 Mahlathini Street