Stunning glass art dazzles audience
Pretoria artist Malebogo Molokoane unveils her transformative tapestry in glass at Absa Gallery in downtown Jozi.
Art lovers descended in numbers to view a stunning solo glass artwork exhibition by Tshwane University of Technology alumni, part-time lecturer and artist, Malebogo Molokoane.
This was an exhibition in partnership with Absa and the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (Sanava) in collaboration with the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS), which was described by Absa senior specialist art and museum curator Dr Paul Bayliss as stunning pieces of glass artwork ever mounted.
Molokoane won the 2022 Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto Award, and her current exhibition embodies a fusion of artistic brilliance and intercultural synergy, which shines a spotlight on the vibrant art scene in South Africa.
In her captivating body of work titled A Re Tshamekeng (which is Setswana for ‘Let’s Play’), Malebogo explores the intricacies of emotional gestures and facial expressions through layered glass artworks.
The fragility of glass in her art reflects the delicate balance of her journey, emphasising the power of human expressions and ultimately highlighting moments of tension, misery, excitement, confusion and trauma in her life journey.
“The artworks vividly depict the events that occurred before and after these crucial moments, and ultimately becoming a game-changer,” Bayliss said in a conversation with Molokoane.
Bayliss said her work also creates memorable, fun board and indigenous games using a variety of glass techniques, such as blowing, kiln burning, kiln casting, beading and sand casting.
“The results are mind-blowing layered glass artworks, blending mapped journeys and fused portraits, and serving both expressive and discoverable game boards. These creations embody the essence of A Re Tshamekeng, about this ready-for-use arts produce,” Bayliss noted.
Malokoane’s Absa L’Atelier Gerard Sekoto win was followed by a visit to Paris for a three-month artist’s residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts – it was an opportunity for greater exposure and learning. She also sojourned at the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington, USA in 2023.
This exhibition marks the first leg of her official tour across her home country, South Africa, as she tours across the country providing a once in a lifetime opportunity for art enthusiasts to experience a one-of-a-kind art form.
Related Article: City Power meter upgrades started in Alex and nearby suburban areas
