African Silhouettes (2013)
by Al Fundi
Art exhibitions used to happen in a random manner in Swaziland and there was no proper documentation or analysis of the work being produced. Many artists felt that the only option they had was to try and exhibit in a gallery in South Africa or overseas. Some succeeded in doing so, but the majority were left with very few options.
The Dancers (2013) by Austin Hleza
Yebo Art Gallery was established in 2010 in order to assist and promote contemporary artists. To date there have been twenty three exhibitions featuring work by fifty local fine artists, sculptors and photographers. All the work from the exhibitions is available for viewing online along with bios of the represented artists. Regular meetings are held with the artists and Yebo networks with other galleries and art organisations. Social networks are also used extensively.
African Reflections (2013) by Bonny Fineberg
The gallery has done this using its own resources and without funding from government. Artists and volunteers have always been there to support and assist, and despite the shoestring budget there has been amazing progress in the last three years. The first international exhibition representing seven artists was held in Finland this year and has set in motion plans for more overseas exhibitions. There are currently only a handful of fine artists/sculptors/ photographers in Swaziland whose work is of an international standard.
Zebra Man 3 (2013)
by David Ian Cranko
An NGO, Yebo ArtReach was also established, which receives funding for creative projects and local artists are paid to teach and participate. This gives an opportunity for communities in both rural and urban areas who do not visit art galleries to participate in creative projects and be exposed to various forms of art.
Swazi Art (2013)
by Elvis Myeni Mthunzi
Yebo does not just have a gallery and shop space, there is a library for artists and workshop space which they can utilise if needed. Professional artists give their time to assist up-and-coming artists. The doors are always open for them to visit, show their work and get advice and assistance.
African Women (2013)
by Helen Munyaka
The majority of the art is bought by foreign residents and tourists, who ship the work overseas. Encouragingly, local corporates have slowly begun purchasing art for their headquarters. It is understandable that due to the current economic situation in Swaziland the majority of people are struggling to survive, so buying paintings is not a priority.
Eyewitness (2013)
by Joe Mukeda
The middle class and corporate sector do have the means, but need to be taught more as to how to appreciate and understand art; this is an important role that galleries play. It is also important that not all the best work leaves the country.
African Comb (2013)
by Khotso Mda
Visitors to Swaziland are always surprised at finding a contemporary art gallery ‘in the bush’. Some visitors have preconceived and patronising ideas about art in Africa and are surprised that Swazi artists paint in a contemporary style or have even studied abroad as they expect naïf paintings of wildlife and cultural objects. The artists
face challenges both from locals and visitors who do not understand what contemporary Swazi art is.
Victims of Abuse (2013) by Lucky Mlotsa
The media have an important role to play in promoting artists and exhibitions but contemporary art gets relegated to the entertainment pages, a sector dominated by fashion, modelling, beauty pageants, celebrity gossip and music events. There are few, if any, journalists who understand contemporary art, and mediocrity is often praised. Galleries write their own articles and the media will publish these but there is no independent criticism or analysis of exhibitions.
Swazi Pride (2013)
by Lungelo Nkambule V.
Artists require intelligent and constructive criticism in order to improve their work. Many also need a better understanding of professional standards. The media, government and the public do struggle to understand the difference between art and craft in Swaziland.
Faithfull Sun (2013) by Margaret Mitchell
Exhibitions featuring beautiful landscapes and realistic portraits are praised but more abstract work and concepts are often dismissed or ridiculed. Up-and-coming artists struggle initially with breaking away from an ‘accepted’ art form and discovering their own unique voice and style. But this pattern is slowly changing. As more people travel and get exposure to art and design, they are starting to show an interest in what is happening in the local contemporary art scene and are open to new ideas.
African Lady (2013)
by Mary Moposo
Contemporary artists struggle for an income, as do artists anywhere in the world and unfortunately there are few in Swaziland who are lucky enough to manage to produce full time. Prices for art in Swaziland currently range from 50 – 2,000$, with the majority of works costing around 200$. For collectors there are numerous good works available at very reasonable prices.
Green Hope (2013)
by Raymond Mhish
Contemporary art is in its early stages in Swaziland, but there is some very exciting work being created. There is a lot to still be achieved; proper art education in all schools, a contemporary art museum, a fine art college, more galleries, art centres in rural areas, more financial support and understanding of art from government and a better economy!
Textile Design (2013)
by Rihanna Mafube
But artists have not sat down and waited for all of this to happen, they have joined forces and are moving ahead. As the proverb says ‘If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ This working together has been very important for the increased growth in contemporary art in Swaziland.
Aleta Armstrong
artist / curator / director of Yebo Art Gallery
Landscape (2013)
by Tsepiso Gwanqwa
