Masonwabo Ntloko’s first ever painting solo exhibition “ILISO LO MOYA” inspired by the richness of his spiritual nuances and Xhosa heritage
Earlier this month, visual artist Masonwabe Ntloko and Katmo Gallery announced their collaboration aimed at providing art and design enthusiasts the opportunity to witness Ntloko’s latest projects. His previous exhibition was of his rug collection “Ilifa Lethu” in collaboration with Airloom. Last night, the artist held his first ever painting solo exhibition entitled “ILISO LO MOYA” inspired by the richness of his spiritual nuances and Xhosa heritage.
Iliso lomoya directly translates to “the Eye of the spirit”. “This body of work focuses on his spiritual growth and experience Of the world around him. The exhibition explores themes of identity, transformation, healing, and the power of the human spirit it. Features his paintings, and mixed-media works that explore his journey into self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment.The artworks showcase the artist’s use of colour texture, and form to create a visually and emotionally charged and stimulating experience for the viewer. At the core of the exhibition is Masonwabe Ntloko’s personal stories of Spiritual exploration and growth, which he hopes will resonate with viewers and provide them with insight into their own journey self-discovery. Through the use of various artistic mediums, ntloko hopes to create an immersive experience that encourages viewers to deflect on their own lives and to seek out their own inner truths”.
In the digital age that we live in, what is an event without an Instagramable moment. Ntloko created his very own Instagram filter in commemoration of the opening of his month long exhibition. Exhibition included a series of finished paintings as well as “The Process Room” that encapsulates the essence of his actual studio with unfinished paintings; “Ingilosi” and “Amehlo Omoya”
Tying to his spiritual and religious roots and part of the exhibition, was a prayer on the wall in his Xhosa by the artists mother which he stated will continue to be featured at every exhibition.
“Bawo oyingcwele oziqu zithathu, emnye ungowokubongwa wena ngamaxeshaonke. Ndiyakubulela Ngesipho omphe sona nangomsebenzi omhle kangaka umntwana wakho uMasonwabe. Ndiyakubulela nangokuwukhulisa, uwandise umsebenzi wakhe ude waziwe zizizwe naziintlanga zonke. Mncede ke nkosi akhule nangakumbi umbono wakhe. konke akwenzayo bawo, makukhanye ngegama likayesu kristu wasenazareth. Konke ke bawo sikucela sikuthembile ukuba uzakukwenza. Nditshiza igazi likayesu kristu phezu kwempilo yakhe, uqhubele phambili lomsebenzi wakhe aye esonyukela ngakumbi – ndiyayazi ukuba ukwelizinga likuwo nj kungokwenza kwakho. Ungabisayeka ukumthwala, umfihle ngalomaphiko akho ngegama likayesu kristu, Amen”.
