Passionate about art

WITH his works focusing on the realities of everyday life, Pop-art specialist Sipho Ndlovu is intellectually inclined.

Born in Alexandra, Johannesburg, the master of fine arts graduate will be exhibiting his latest works titled Imfuyo at the Everard Read Gallery in Rosebank.

As an artist who is not afraid to experiment, Ndlovu presents fascinating art works. Boxes with vegetables, fruit and clothing inside them are his favourite subject matter at present. The boxes are painted with oils on canvas or board. This time around he focuses on domestic animals. Ndlovu looks at the role of cows in traditional Zulu culture.

He says cattle are very important in South African cultures. "They are tangible assets that our ancestors used as currency before there was any formal monetary exchange system in place.

"Cattle used to be exchanged for goods and, in the principle of ilobolo, a young man pays the bride's father with cattle for the privilege of her hand in marriage.

"The number of cattle owned indicates one's wealth in many indigenous cultures.

"Families that own many cattle are taken more seriously in the community. Traditionally, a cow is slaughtered at momentous occasions, including funerals and weddings. One can use cattle as payment for any offence committed or damage (caused by) one's actions. A chief can fine an offender several cattle, depending on the severity of the offence."

With no formal training, his passion for art inspired Ndlovu to teach himself. He says he never believed he could make a living from it. The exhibition ends on June 30.