Khwezi Strydom | Dance Towards Freedom

In a world weighed down by history and silence, language becomes the tool of liberation. 

This body of work explores how the power of language lifts us from the mire—the mire of unconsciousness, repressed emotions, and inherited burdens. It is the weight of what alienates us and restricts our freedom. Yet, this very mire—dense, suffocating, and clinging to every step—becomes the fertile ground for our expansion and self-realisation.

The figures I depict are crafted through intricate lines, akin to the weaving of an artisan. They represent a meticulous and meditative process, precise in their intention, echoing the slow work of creating something profound from nothing. The letters that form within the work are part of a mysterious alphabet, transcending the non-verbal. These symbols create a dialogue between the unconscious, sticky quagmire of existence, and the figure of humanity—reborn, newly awakened, and striving. Humanity stretches towards the stars of its destiny, not by fighting itself for conquest, but by dancing its way towards freedom. There is a pivotal shift—from the urge to take to the grace of learning how to receive. Through this shift, a harmonious existence emerges, flowing without rupture.

As a biracial artist living in France, I navigate the complexities of belonging, celebrated yet constrained by the intersection of African and Western cultures that shape my existence. My work becomes a bridge, connecting two eras—traditional and contemporary—and two worlds, black and white. Through these contrasts, I invite the viewer to witness not only my personal journey but also a universal quest for freedom, identity, and unity.