BIOGRAPHY

Lebohang Sithole was born in Natal Spruit, East Rand (Palm Bridge) Gauteng, where he currently lives. Sithole works with a wide range of selective mediums, soft pastel, acrylics, charcoal, drypoint, monoprints, and ‘pancake’. He specialises in combining drypoint, monoprint and ‘pancake’ to develop unique prints. Sithole first engaged with the arts in both Primary and Secondary school and developed from there. He studied Professional Printmaking at Artist Proof Studio (2009 - 2013). In 2016 he had his first solo show at Halifax Art titled Intathakusa (Before the sun rises).

STATEMENT

In my artwork, I explore two main experiences that have had a significant impact on who I am.

I was named after my grandfather who was called Mfana Enoch Sithole. I am told that he was a musician and a prophet. I was born the same day he died. Almost everything that my grandfather did during his lifetime is closely paralleled with the things that I do in my life. The inspiration for my work is the journey travelled by my grandfather who was the lead singer and organist for the Amajembe Jazz Band.

When I visit my grandfather’s house I get the feeling I have lived there, when I touch his instruments, I feel I have played them, when I look at his photograph, I see myself.

Looking at my grandfather’s strength and belief in what he was, has encouraged me as an Artist. I believe that one person can inherit a something special from a family member and be recognized as that person. My work is dedicated to Him.

I also explore images of children. In every family, country and race that a child is born into, the environment influences the development of that child and determines who they become. Children are a symbol of growth resulting in a defining perspective of ‘I am what I am because I am determined by the way I have grown up’.

Lebohang Sithole

More Artworks Lebohang Sithole