Professor Pitika Ntuli grabbed the attention of many with his unique exhibition consisting of 45 new sculptures made from bones and other materials.

Mid-Morning Magic’s Yolanda Maartens chat to Professor Pitika Ntuli about how and where this exhibition came to life and the meaning behind it.

The eighty-year-old artist’s exhibition was first opened at the National Arts Festival in June 2020 by Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations. It was part of the main programme of this arts festival and challenged fixed definitions of ‘contemporary’ and ‘traditional art’. The exhibition was curated by Ruzy Rusike.

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The works were so inspiring that musicians, poets, writers and thought leaders such as  Sibongile Khumalo, Zolani Mahola, Simphiwe Dana, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Gcina Mhlope to Ngugi wa Thiongo, Homi Bhabha, Albie Sachs, Shado Twala and Ari Sitas and  many others contributed songs, words and discussions for the exhibition’s online debut.

A national tour of Ntuli’s Azibuyele Emasisweni, which is currently on show at Oliewenhuis Art Museum and then the Durban Art Gallery from October, will give the public a chance to appreciate these extraordinary works up close.  

To find out more visit www.themelrosegallery.com