Meet keeper of the arts at The Gallery, Phindile Mkhize

Arriving at The Gallery at The Ballito Lifestyle Centre, it becomes evident that a subtle, yet extraordinary effort has gone into the placement of each art piece.

This is the priority of curator, Phindile Mkhize who looks at art a little differently from the rest of us.

Originally looking to find a career in accounting she stumbled on her artistic talent when an extra hand was needed at the African Art Centre in Durban.

“I saw an opportunity to become the centre’s curator. One can become a curator by loving what you do,” she said, explaining that curating is all about organising, researching and putting pieces together for display. It was through a workshop at the centre that her talent was discovered.

“These are all the elements – organising, research and compiling pieces – involved in creating a distinct embodiment of self, that was both separate from, and a continuation of a user’s physical self-presentation.”

Drawing inspiration and having found a passion for art on the streets of KwaMashu, where Phindile lives, her main inspiration came from street art where shipping containers have been converted into colorful canvasses.

At The Gallery, Phindile creates collections, researches pieces and liaises with artists. Some of her favourite artists include Lindani Nyandeni, Tamara Natalie and Jabulani Cele, some of which can be found at The Gallery.

“Art is very important, especially for education. It forces us as people to look beyond that which is necessary to survive and leads us to create for the sake of expression and meaning.

Art creates communication, shapes our everyday lives and makes a social statement which is enjoyed for its aesthetic beauty.”

Five years into her career and her passion is on display in and through the many different artists who take the stage at The Gallery.

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