Bambo Sibiya

Bambo Sibiya was born in KwaThema, Springs, near Johannesburg. He trained and worked at the Artist Proof Studio (APS) Gallery, where he has collaborated on large-scale linocuts for several prominent artists, including William Kentridge, Diane Victor, Norman Catherine, and Colbert Mashile. Sibiya’s linocuts, drypoint, and lithographic works are marked by rich stylistic detail and textures, offering insight into masculine identity and community on the streets of Johannesburg.

During apartheid, men from the rural areas journeyed to cities in search of work. They often brought stylish suits to impress families back home and practiced looking sharp for friends and neighbours. This evolved into “the Swenkas”, where working-class South Africans held competitions to showcase the best outfits and moves. The men valued physical cleanliness, sobriety, and above all, self-respect.

In recent years, Sibiya has excelled in South African art competitions. In 2012, he was a finalist in the ABSA L’Atelier top ten awards and won the prestigious Gerard Sekoto Award, which facilitated his completion of two residencies in 2013 at Atelier le Grand Village (Angouleme, France) and Cité Internationale des Arts (Paris, France). Bambo’s works are held in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (the national collection of prints), among other collections.

Select Exhibitions

• 2018  ‘Izikhali ze Mpilo’: Solo Exhibition, Jack Bell Gallery, London
• 2018   ‘Rassemblement, Jack Bell Gallery, London
• 2018  1:54 Art Fair, Jack Bell Gallery, London
• 2018  1:54 Art Fair, Jack Bell Gallery, New York
• 2017  ‘Ubuntu Ngabantu’: Solo Exhibition, Jack Bell Gallery, London
• 2017  ‘Tales of Migration’: Solo Exhibition, Red Room Gallery, Cape Town
• 2017  1:54 Art Fair, Jack Bell Gallery, London
• 2017: 10th Print Triennial, Chamalières, France
• 2016: Douro Print Biennial, Portugal
• 2016  Art Exchange: Querètaro, Galeria Municipal and Taller Tamayo, Oaxaca, Mexico
• 2015: 7th International Lithographic Symposium, Tidaholm, Sweden
• 2013  ‘Khumbula Ekhaya (Home Sick)’, Gallery 2, Johannesburg
• 2013  ‘Human Spirit’, ABSA Art Gallery, Johannesburg