Goodman Gallery is currently hosting an exhibition called “Art Meets Fashion” featuring the work of Sam Nhlengethwa. The exhibition has on display, new paintings and prints that puts art and fashion side by side, shedding light on the beauty and visibility of people with albinism.
The work of Sam Nhlengethwa is popularly known for the collage style that express everyday life in South Africa. His work often reflects city life, home environments and the impact of mining. Over the years, he has made contributions to the artistic industry and he is considered as one of the country’s important artists.
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In the exhibition, Mr Nhlengethwa focuses on how clothing expresses identity and personal style. He believes that art and fashion inspire each other, ultimately creating a cycle of creativity. His paintings include runway scenes and portraits that celebrate the beauty of fashion.
To take this idea further, Mr Nhlengethwa is collaborating with designer, Sonwabile Ndamase, who is famous for creating the “Madiba shirt” worn by Nelson Mandela. Sonwabile will design a new clothing collection inspired by the artworks of Mr Nhlengethwa.
Sam Nhlengethwa explains that his interest in fashion dates back to his teenage years. He loves seeing people dressed up and enjoys finding clothing pieces for himself and his family. In this series, he shows models in dressing rooms and on the runway, as well as everyday people who look fashionable.
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An important part of the exhibition is Mr Nhlengethwa’s focus on people with albinism. He wishes to highlight their challenges, featuring them as the central figures in his artwork. To help with this, he is collaborating with Palesa Mosiea, a model, motivational speaker, and inclusion activist. Mosiea emphasizes the importance of diversity and encourages society to be more tolerant and accepting of differences.
The “Art Meets Fashion” exhibition at Goodman Gallery is open until January 20.
