Have you heard about Sbusiso Duma? He’s an amazing artist from Durban, and people are really into his special way of expressing things through art. Since he was little, Sbusiso had this impressive skill for drawing, and his school teachers noticed it. As he grew up, he got even better, thanks to the guidance of his mentor, the late Trevor Makhoba.
Born in Mbumbulu, Duma’s journey began with just crayons and coloured pencils. His teachers recognized his talent and encouraged him to create maps and charts for their classrooms. It was through the Philange Art Project, led by Trevor Makhoba in Umlazi, that Duma’s skills flourished.
Makhoba, known for his socially critical and controversial paintings, became Duma’s mentor from 1994 to 2003, shaping his artistic style and approach.
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Duma has developed a distinct style that sets him apart from other artists. His deep appreciation for the rural landscape and tradition is evident in his artwork, which often juxtaposes rural and urban lifestyles.
By tackling challenging subject matter, Sbusiso aims to shed light on unresolved social issues. His paintings employ humour and satire, using familiar iconography such as the human figure in a rural setting.
Using acrylics on canvas, Duma striking paintings characterized by stark, bright colours and hard shadows. In his recent works, he incorporates dot painting and prominently features the color yellow.
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This deliberate choice of colour and technique adds depth and visual impact to his pieces, further enhancing the message he seeks to convey.
His works have been collected by numerous galleries and museums, cementing his place as a respected artist. Through his art, Duma not only showcases his creativity but also sparks conversations about the contradictions between rural and urban lifestyles and the pressing social issues that persist in South Africa.
