Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize Winner – Tshepo Phokojoe to present solo exhibition at Everard Read Gallery
Woven Comforts 14 October – 21October 2023 Everard Read Gallery, Rosebank.
By CityLife Arts Writer
The 2023 Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize Winner, Tshepo Phokojoe, is to present his first solo exhibition at Everard Read CIRCA Gallery titled Woven Comforts.
Exploring the ideas of home, nest, and womb through hessian cloth, the exhibition titled Woven Comforts aims to evoke a strong emotional connection and nostalgia. By using hessian cloth as a medium, the show invites visitors to reflect on their inherent human desires for comfort, safety, and belonging.
“The inspiration for the show stemmed from the concept of homesickness and the exploration of whether “home” is a physical place or a feeling,” Phokojoe says.
“The show represents a deeply personal exploration of the concept of “home” as a Sowetan. During a visit to KZN, my distinct Johannesburg accent made it clear that I wasn’t originally from there, sparking thoughts about belonging and the absence of a sense of place. I questioned whether, to progress, we need to create a new culture, a new language, or if we should embrace the unfamiliar.
“Through this exhibition, I aim to prompt viewers to reconnect with elements that we often overlook due to our preoccupation with our differences.”
The use of hessian cloth as a canvas allows for these profound concepts to come alive. Intricately woven hessian structures represent the idea of a ‘nest’, symbolizing the care and warmth associated with creating a haven for oneself and loved ones. Additionally, these structures transport us to marvel at the intricate architectural wonders found in nature.
Furthermore, the concept of a ‘womb’ is delicately portrayed through a human figure covered in hessian cloth. This representation symbolizes the primal source of life, security, and growth. It also prompts contemplation about the origins of life, the sanctuary provided by maternal love, and the endless potential that new beginnings hold.
“My introduction to hessian cloth occurred while assisting Nkhensani Rihlampfu,” Phokojoe says, explaining his process.
“As I delved deeper into the material, I became enamored with its biodegradability and versatility. My curiosity revolved around how far I could push the material and its symbolic significance in relation to my personal inquiry about migration and displacement as a Sowetan. Hessian cloth is traditionally used for transplanting plants, and I’m intrigued by its potential to facilitate the movement of things from their original locations to new, unfamiliar places. My work embodies the exploration of these ideas through the use of this material.”
Tshepo Sizwe Phokojoe (b. 1995, Soweto) is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist, with a background in visual arts and fashion. Phokojoe was part of the 2017 Peer mentoring at Assemblage Studios mentored by Brownyn Lace. He has also worked as studio assistant to Nkhensani Rihlampfu and Nicholas Hlobo. Phokojoe has received numerous awards, including the 2017 PPC Imaginarium Merit award for Fashion, the 2023 Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize and he is the 2023 recipient of Young/Unframed. He currently works and lives in Johannesburg.