Healed by the power of an image
He quietly focuses on the power of an image that unfolds, without being distracted by fame and fortune.
Finding solace in intricate details and fine lines, artist, Vusi Zwane has exceeded the boundaries of his physical disability.
Vusi was born in Lennoxton, Newcastle in 1957, where he lived until he moved to Johannesburg in 1974.
He studied at the Federated Union of Black Arts from 1982 to 1985, and obtained a diploma in Visual Arts. He went on to complete a graphic design course at Johannesburg Art Foundation in 1991, while running a textile studio in Orlando West, Soweto.
In 1993, he moved to the Amakhono Arts Centre in Florida, and began attending printmaking workshops at the Caversham Press Educational Trust throughout the 90s.
During his time at Caversham, he created several prints that were included in a number of travelling exhibitions at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, such as the Spirit of Our Stories.
In the early 2000s, Vusi was appointed as facilitator in the textile department during an art-based learnership programme for the youth at Rorke’s Drift.
In 2010, he returned to the Caversham Centre as resident artist, and has assisted in running art programmes at Ulwazi CreACTive Centre and contributing designs to Caversham hand printed textiles for the last five years.
Vusi has overcome many challenges, having being born physically disabled.
He has shown enormous courage and compassion, using his own life and images as a foundation to help and heal. This is reflected through his images, where he inspires and educates young artists.
In addition, he has taken on the role of traditional healer.
“Since beginning art, the journey has been one of continual learning,” said Vusi.
As is evident in the linocuts’ fine detail, he takes inordinate time and care in cutting the blocks, quietly focusing of the power on image that unfolds, without being distracted by fame and fortune.
Vusi will return to his hometown on March 4, where he will present his first solo print exhibition at Carnegie Art Gallery at 5pm.
Be sure to bring you friends and family along to catch a glimpse of Vusi’s masterpieces!
