In his third exhibition entitled As If You Care, Ngubeni continues with his criticism of South Africa’s political landscape. Looking at the illusion of altruism, the artist’s work cements his disbelief and portrays how those in power act to enrich themselves and push agendas under the thinly masked veil of ‘the greater good’.
An overarching theme found throughout his exhibits is the juxtaposing of city life – how we maintain our fast-paced lifestyle while neglecting the most basic elements of daily life.
Winner of the Reinhold Cassirer Ward 2012, Ngubeni’s preferred medium are a miscellany of objects – from waste materials to newspaper clippings and cardboard pieces. His reasons for using these materials are two-fold, to comment on the plight of struggling South African artists as they stumble unaided in the art world and it’s also a reflection upon Ngubeni’s own development as an artist.
Having dabbled in crime early on, Ngubeni took control of his life while serving time in prison. He discovered the magic of art through Tsoga (Wake Up) Arts Project and began to pursue the arts on a professional scale. Today he is an acclaimed artist bestowed with a voice that demands to be heard.
OF NOTE
Where Gallery MOMO, Oro Africa Building, 170 Buitengracht Street, CBD
When 7 – 14 July 2015
Cost Free entry
Contact + 27 21 424 5150, gallerymomo.com
Illustrations gallerymomo.com