Step into the vivid and enigmatic realm of Sphelele Gumede. Known for his striking and sometimes menacing characters, Gumede adds a burst of vibrant colours to represent the duality in his creations.
Gumede’s creative process begins with rough sketches, where he captures the essence of his ideas. He then transfers the imag to his preferred illustration app , either Adobe Illustrator or Affinity Designer, and begins the editing process by illustrating in shades of grey.
READ MORE: Lukhanyo Mdingi Shines As Finalist For The Prestigious AMIRI Prize 2023
This monochromatic stage allows him to ensure that the artwork’s composition works before introducing colours. Once satisfied, Gumede duplicates the artboard and starts the mesmerizing colour process. His love for bright hues brings an intriguing juxtaposition to the artwork, symbolising the duality he seeks to convey. Finally, he fine-tunes the artwork in Photoshop, adjusting colours and retouching as needed.
Gumede’s art can be described as an introspective fusion of art and design. Symmetry and symbols play a crucial role in his work, some of which hold deep significance from his childhood, shaping him into the person he is today.
READ MORE: In Focus: Sinenkosi Msomi’s Photographic Tale Of Emotions
Inspiration for Gumede comes from various sources. He draws inspiration from fellow artists, marveling at how they express their craft. Musicians, writers, and photographers all contribute to his creative landscape. Life, death, and the ever-present cycle of existence also serve as a profound well of inspiration for Gumede. Contemplating the vastness of the night sky, he finds himself struck by the simultaneous beauty and fear of being alive, knowing that one day, he too will pass.
