By In the tapestry of art and culture, the threads of personal experience often weave the most compelling narratives. For Kagiso Gundane, a renowned artist whose work resonates with a profound sense of authenticity, the essence of his creativity is rooted deeply in his childhood memories. In an exclusive interview, Kagiso reflects on the formative experiences that have shaped his artistic vision and the cultural narratives he seeks to convey through his work. By capturing the innocence, joy and challenges of youth, Gundane invites us to explore the rich interplay between our past and the art that emerges from it, shedding light on how personal history can be a powerful muse.
Leari Lifestyles: What inspires your creativity and drives your passion for art?
KG: The core of my inspiration is embedded and derived from my childhood memories, my dreams, and the life experiences of a traditional healer’s journey into spirituality, a traditional healer who happens to be my mother. Throughout my childhood, I witnessed the struggles and hardships that she faced as a result of her spiritual calling. Against all odds I witnessed her calamity and tenacious ascend through the strange, dark, and mysterious process of becoming a fully practicing traditional healer. This is something that shaped my perception of the physical world around me, which I treasure and sometimes view the issues or problems we face today as a society through a more spiritualist perspective.
Leari Lifestyles: What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your work?
KG: As a contemporary visual artist, and a young black male living in a post-colonial era, there is a handful of problems that we face as a result of colonial trauma derived from a racially motivated past that was experienced by the average black South African. After conducting some research on the effects of trauma, and what it does to the human DNA, I inevitably concluded that we as a black nation are in a period of healing or are in need of healing, which can sometimes become a vicious endless cycle of violence. Through my artworks, I aim to emphasize this point and create a feeling and space in which some type of healing can take place, which is something I believe art has the potential and strange ability to do.
Leari Lifestyles: Who are your biggest influences and role models in the art world?
KG: I wouldn’t say I necessarily have influences, but there are visual artists, born in South Africa, which I to some degree look up to, or I am touched by their work, this includes; the late Santu Mofokeng, who was a photographer, Mohau Modisakeng and Buhlebezwe Siwana, who perform videography and photography.
Leari Lifestyles: How do you balance your artistic vision with commercial viability?
KG: Having been privileged enough to work with a gallery, I create my art in a way that is tangible for collectors to buy, which also sustains my artistic practice.
Leari Lifestyles: What advice would you give to other young artists just starting?
KG: Being an emerging artist myself, who has been practicing professionally for two years now I think the most important thing, from my point of view, is to be yourself and find your voice through different art mediums and make use of information that is available. Then the second most important thing is to ensure that your art is seen. I think we are also privileged because we live in a world of technology, where it is to some degree a reality to market yourself through social media in contrast to 30 years ago. Also participating in art competitions and applying for funding in order to buy art supplies and also art residencies. I think this is the advice I would give to other artists.
Leari Lifestyles: How do you think your art can impact society and make a difference?
KG: I think art is a medium and a tool for activism and what I hope my art can do is to heal people and although I am coming from a black insurgency perspective, I hope it can heal anyone who is in need of healing.
Leari Lifestyles: What’s the story behind your favourite piece you’ve created so far?
KG: This is an artwork from a series titled Phakamani, which means arise, it’s my favourite artwork so far, I think it’s because of the execution and how it came out. In this artwork there is a figure in the foreground, which is the focal point of the artwork, as if trying to get up using a stick, while in the background are two other figures, doing a ritual, usually done for someone who is training to become a traditional healer, there’s also a subtle image of a brain at the back. The meaning or message behind this is that we need to undergo a healing process for this trauma that we all have in our DNA, so the figure trying to get up is a metaphor for this healing process, and according to this artwork when he can stand upright on both feet, that would symbolize someone who is healed.
Kagiso Gundane’s story is a poignant reminder of the influence of childhood on artistic expression. His reflections reveal how our formative years anchor our creative pursuits and connect us to shared cultural experiences. As we navigate the complexities of contemporary life, Gundane’s journey prompts us to consider the significance of our memories, encouraging artists and audiences alike to embrace the stories that shape us. Through his lens, we are invited to celebrate the intricate relationship between art and culture, finding inspiration not just in the colours and forms but in the heartfelt stories that lie beneath the surface. In doing so, we honour the past, cherish our experiences and pave the way for future storytelling in the world of art.