The monumental exhibition show was opened on December 7, 2023 at the Mashumi Gallery at the upmarket Morning Glen mall in Morningside Manor. Zanele Mashumi the owner of the gallery and director Mashumi Art Projects curated the show and attributes a fond attachment to Kenny who has been her mentor and business partner over the years in the contemporary art space.
I’m at the gallery on a review tip, on the closing of the exhibition that falls on my birth date 15 January 2024. The ambience on the gallery setting is of an airy space with laidback jazzy undertones. A collection of masterpieces from different eras of bra Kenny’s work using a variety of mediums to convey his majestic artistic imagery. Mainly fabrics on canvas, inspired from recycled fabrics, this by collecting fabrics from various sources. The distinct usage of fabric material defies the traditional paintbrush producing an unusual tangible artform with colour schemes that flow comfortably with the eye invoking a calm yet probing suspense on his subject matters.
From afar off the fabric work, looks like a painting breaking the traditional familiar paint on canvas. A carefully thought out representation of landscapes, characters, objects and scenarios playing out through material textures, colour schemes, rich hues and shadows capturing time and moment. A romanticising with the woman figure whom he believes plays a supportive maternal role in society. Motifs like seshweshwe, leopard print, etc, coupled with their colour schemes speak volumes of form. The fabric pallet well defines the metals especially in the mining scenery, where the industry bears the mining of commodities that is the heart of the SA economy. And the makarapa that represents the miners from diverse backgrounds coming together to extract precious metals.
“Leopard motif represents royalty in African culture and quite totemic,” mentioned Zanele. He works with recycled material such as plastic, metal and creates mind-blowing sculptures with it. As we can behold the vehicles of mass destruction weaponry, this in defiance of ongoing wars around the globe, with so much blood spilt. A wonder to look at but brilliantly executed though provoking the senses. Zanele (insert right) mentioned that the exhibition show was well attended and patrons believed the work was actually painted on a white cloth.
His sculpture work with recycled material speaks a new technological language. Bottle caps, old speakers, motherboard, etc. He gives life back to stuff that people discard. Added Zanele.
Zanele started Mashumi Art Projects in 2013 whilst being mentored by Kenny Nkosi, she came to realise how most African artist struggled with venues to exhibit their work. So she took upon herself to strategically assist artists to display their work. She collaborated with the restaurant named ‘’Next Door’’ next to the famous Sakhumzi restaurant, hosting professional artists, managing community shows of different artists across the country. Mashumi has been specialising in Pop-up galleries, she mentions. She doesn’t really believe in permanent spaces because of how things are changing especially into the digital, virtual spaces. ‘’Going to where people are is ideal, where we get to meet different clientele. The mission we undertake is to educate people that want to start collecting art, to be introduced and guided into the culture of collecting art.
They offer more service such as curating house interior, offices, commissions, inventories, etc. Gallery@mashumiart.africa
Born in 1957 in Mzinani, Mapumalanga, South Africa, Kenny embarked on his artistic journey by studying Fine Art at the Funda Centre. His passion for the arts led him to complete his Bachelor’s degree at the University of South Africa.
Relocating from Mpumalanga to Johannesburg, Kenny dedicated himself to both advancing his education and pursuing a thriving career in art. He established a studio at Uncle Toms Hall in Orlando, where he imparted his knowledge of fine art.
Following the renovation of Uncle Toms Hall, Kenny found a new home at the Mofolo Community Center, where he continues to draw inspiration.
Nestled in the creative hub of Mofolo Community Center, surrounded by some of the country’s most imaginative minds, Kenny thrives on the unique energy found nowhere else in the world.
Kenny’s artistic creations are a testament to his diverse skill set. Utilizing recycled fabrics with gel on canvas, he crafts intricate sculptural artworks from various recycled materials, seamlessly blending traditional mediums such as paints and drawings.
Mastering the technique of fabric art, Kenny uses his work as a powerful voice for the voiceless.
His artwork vividly captures the resilience of women striving for success against formidable odds. Beyond the surface, Kenny’s pieces delve into the profound socioeconomic realities faced by people in Soweto and numerous other Black townships across South Africa. Each artwork by Nkosi reflects not only his artistic mastery but also serves as a poignant commentary on the complex tapestry of South African life.
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
