Siyabonga Fani
Born in Cape Town in 1981, Siyabonga Fani is one of South Africa's terracotta sculptural masters. Raised in the township of Gugulethu, and now working in a studio in Woodstock, Fani has been working in clay since the late 1990s.
There is a duality to Fani’s work: the artist’s ceramics, pit-fired with a smoky scent, reflect the memory of his late father, a self-taught artist, as they draw inspiration from natural elements such as trees, rivers, and the earth.
Yet his work likewise resonates with the joy and estrangement of life in the township, capturing the vibrant energy of urban life. This duality creates a poignant tension, as his art embodies both a longing for idyllic landscapes and an appreciation for the lively sounds and cultures of his upbringing.
Fani's work is unique in its emotional depth, expressing love and nostalgia through a diverse and multilingual lens. His pieces are showcased in private and public collections in South Africa and the United States, where they continue to evoke a sense of connection and yearning.
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