Nicholas Hlobo: Tyaphaka and other artworks

by Sipho Masinga

When I was given this task to write on an art topic I thought to myself…”there is a topic I’ve been wanting to talk about, an inspirational story, the story of Nicholas Hlobo and his Tyaphaka…along with other works”. An art exhibition I wished every young person attended, which was hosted by Stevenson in Braamfontain.

Now being a young person on the hustle is a full time job, especially when you’re a college student focusing on your mid-year exams or knocking on doors for that once in a lifetime opportunity. However, in your busy schedule if you haven’t visited an art exhibition this month, make sure you reserve one of your evenings and check out Tyaphaka along with other canvas art by Nicholas Hlobo.

Hlobo has a unique touch when it comes to artwork. Every artist has their own distinctive mark but its rear to find someone using rubber and ribbons as a signature.

Tyaphaka is a whale-like sculpture made from rubber inner tubing commonly used for car tires, and multi-coloured ribbons. The main concept of crafting Tyaphaka is essentially a play on the idea that things can be submerged or brought up from below the surface.

Hlobo exercises epic artistry when working on canvas artwork. Part of the exhilaration is observing the moment when the artist dares to become entirely himself. The other part is sheer beauty. Hlobo creates a scene of anarchy when he cuts the untainted canvas creating a scenic design. He leaves a small foundational cut which he then substitutes with an aluminium piece of metal. Finally Hlobo stitches up both the canvas and the aluminium together using his signature multi-coloured ribbons creating an identity.

Unganya kum is just one of the three canvas work which is on display. When you gazing at Unganya kum you will realise that the lighting of the room is vital. The lighting makes the ribbons vivid and the colours brighten the canvas entirely. Hlobo contrasts and balances dark and light colours like the master maker of rainbows. Hlobo explains that the canvas artwork focuses on the stages where life is formed and that later what the being will turn out to look like when brought to light is actually close to the ones contemplating their identities.