Only Fans
Store Review (0)PRESENTED BY : Mbali Shabane
| Frame | None |
|---|---|
| Medium | Acrylic on Canvas |
| Location | Durban, South Africa |
| Height | 124.00 cm |
| Width | 97.00 cm |
| Artist | Mbali Shabane |
| Year | 2023 |
Mbali Shabane, Only Fans (2023)
A kneeling figure, its body a textured mosaic of organic shapes, holds a cellphone in a selfie-like pose against a flat pink background. The figure's face is black and featureless, challenging traditional beauty standards and ideas of identity. This work critiques the hyper-sexualized images associated with "Only Fans", prompting viewers to consider the platform beyond its usual connotations.
In African Izizangoma spirituality, pink represents innocence, love, and a connection to a higher power. It's associated with pure love, peace, izithunywa (a Universal force that connects you with creation) zabantwana (children), and the nurturing aspects of femininity.
The yellow cellphone draws a parallel to the yellow candles in Izizangoma practices, symbolizing a connection to spirituality, iSithunywa (a universal force that connects you with creation), and ancestral energy (abantu abadala); particularly from the maternal line. It represents the link inner life force as it is associated with the sun's light.
The artwork invites viewers to move beyond preconceived notions and appreciate the multifaceted nature of femininity and self-expression.
