Pat Sithole was born in 1970, in Kwa-Thema, Springs. Sithole had some instructions and great influence from his uncle Lucas Sithole.
Lucas Sithole (1931 – 1994), is a South African sculptor best known for his work in mainly indigenous woods, as well as for his sculptures in bronze, stone and other media.
After he matriculated at Kenneth Masekela Secondary, Pat Sithole enrolled at Intec College in 1999 where he studied Commercial Art for 3 years. In 2009 he was selected for the Sasol New Signatures competition and also received merit awards for the Ekurhuleni National Fine Art Awards in 2006 and 2007. He has had solo and group exhibitions at various institutions locally including: Reality, Pat Sithole’s first solo exhibition, Artspace Mentorship Programme (2012); The FNB Joburg Art Fair, Lizamore & Associates Gallery (2013); 30-30 Ekurhuleni Contemporary Group Art Exhibition, Springs Art Gallery (2014) and Objections, Three-man exhibition alongside Zolile Phetshane and Mbongeni Buthelezi, NWU Gallery, Pothchefstroom (2015). The title of the exhibition SLICE OF LIFE is taken from a 2012 interview with Zenoyise John from the Sowetan publication who perfectly described and compared Sithole’s paintings as a slice of life, frozen in time for a pause and contemplation. The title of the exhibition, holds many meanings: the interpretation of the past, present, and future as continuous events. Explaining his current work Sithole says, “My work talks about reality, I draw objects to depict the conditions in which we live. I like drawing old objects as a part of representing history. I believe that history can never die because it is within ourselves and depends on us and how we handle it. It also reveals to us who we were and are today”. Sithole explores how people in townships relate to each other, based on his life experiences living in the township of Kwa-Thema, Springs. His work is largely influenced by township life and the general vibe of the township society. “The surroundings and activities that people get involved with intrigues me”. Sithole has developed his own individual style of mark-making, by using soft pastel on canvas and paper. “I am captivated by the vibrancy and brilliance of colours and light. When I look at old broken objects, I see pain, suffering, poverty imposed by one on another human being but when I look at new objects full of life, I see new dispensation. I bring old objects to life in my work using colours that enable us to learn and heal the wounds of the past.” His work is included in the collections of ABSA Bank, City of Ekurhuleni and many other public and private collections.
SLICE OF LIFE is held at Springs Art Gallery (SAG)
Artist Talk: Saturday 2 December 2017 | 08 – 12:00
The exhibition will run until 12:00 midday on Friday 22 December 2017
Springs Art Gallery | Library Building | C/o 5th and 6th Ave | Springs CBD | Ekurhuleni
T: 011 999 8726/7 | F: 086 656 9135 | E: thabo.sekoaila@ekurhuleni.gov.za
Mon – Fri 9:00 – 16:00 | Sat 8:00 – 12:00 | Closed Sundays and Public Holidays
