A captivating solo exhibition by the talented Bongi Bengu is currently taking center stage at the prestigious Pretoria Art Museum. This extraordinary showcase, titled “The World / Umhlaba,” offers a profound exploration of life, exile, and the enduring power of artistic expression.
Bongi Bengu’s journey is a narrative that transcends the boundaries of traditional mediums. While primarily known as a painter, she taps into the realms of collage, soil, clay, and even organic materials like leaves. Her work serves as a striking social commentary on her own life, and it has been evolving and transforming over the years, both in texture and depth.
Her artistic evolution began with charcoal and pastel drawings that grappled with themes of women and power. However, it didn’t stop there. Bengu’s art has become a meditation, a means to channel the inner power within herself, and to explore the complexities of her own existence.
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In her recent work, Bengu embarks on a journey into nature, employing organic materials like leaves. She deliberately preserves these leaves, if only momentarily, challenging us to reconsider the essence of life itself. Her art becomes a conversation on the profound cycles of decay and renewal, echoing her own experiences of exile and homecoming that have profoundly shaped her perspective.
Curated by the insightful Mmutle Arthur Kgokong, “The World / Umhlaba” is an exhibition that showcases Bengu’s transformation and evolution as an artist. It’s a vivid portrayal of her journey, expressed through a stunning collection of paintings and select ceramics.
Adding to the prestige of this event, the exhibition will be officially opened by His Excellency Mr. Antonis Mandritis, the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus.
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Bongi Bengu’s story is a remarkable one. Born in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, she spent her formative years in exile in Geneva, Switzerland. Her education took her from Switzerland to Waterford Kamhlaba in Swaziland, where her passion for art began to flourish. A pivotal moment occurred during her time as a student in Swaziland, where she conducted a research project that involved interviewing established artists. These artists would later become her colleagues at The Bag Factory Studios in Newtown, Johannesburg, and it was here that she decided to embark on her journey as an artist.
Bengu’s dedication to her craft led her to pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree at Mount Vernon College in Washington DC, followed by a master’s degree in Fine Arts from the University of Cape Town. Since then, she has participated in numerous international residencies and workshops, further enriching her artistic vision.
