Renowned painter, film director, and photographer, Justice Mukheli, is set to enchant audiences in Lebanon with his exhibition titled “Facescapes.” This groundbreaking show walks into the multidimensional realm of African identity, offering a fresh perspective on the rich heritage of the continent.
Mukheli’s journey is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Soweto, and his compositions reflect a myriad of themes, from masculinity and blackness to ancestry and spirituality. Drawing inspiration from his past as a photographer, he creates contemporary portraits that seamlessly transition into the abstract, challenging our perception of portraiture and redefining what it means to be African.
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In his quest to reconnect with his ancestral past, Justice seeks to portray an Africa untouched by colonization and Christianity, instead focusing on spirituality as the building block of the continent’s history.Through his art, he tells stories of the past, infusing his figures with a ghost-like quality, as if they are blurred and diminished by the riot of marks surrounding them.
For Mukheli, the act of painting has become a meditative process, enabling him to forge a connection with the past and emphasize experience and emotion over mere documentation.
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The “Facescapes” exhibition is a celebration of African identity, showcasing the work of diverse African artists who explore the fundamental connections between the human face and the landscapes of legacy, culture, and personal narratives on the continent. By highlighting the face as a canvas for self-expression, resilience, and identity, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the intricate layers of African existence.
