THE BAT CENTRE durban's hub of arts & culture

The Isaac Gallery: “I am inspired by the beauty in the ordinary, to transform the spirit of the living into art”

This space belongs to Isaac Sithole, a woodcut print artist who began practicing visual art since the age of 13 Mozambique. The works displayed in this gallery vary from wood-cut prints, to paintings and wood sculptures. This professional artist brings influence from his county of birth, as seen in his woodprints and other works at this art outlet. Sithole is also a product of the BAT Centre’s business training programmes.

Isaac was raised in a family with no artistic background.; However, this did not discourage him form following his dream of becoming an artist. At the age of 12 he started learning the art of wood-carving, being taught by other woodcarvers in his hometown. Later, he moved to South Africa with a friend.

Slowly developing his talent, he worked as a professional woodcarver producing sculpture. He discovered woodcut printing, a medium in which he excelled as he bagan to sell his work. The African Art Centre became the first institution he worked with where his work was displayed and sold.

Sithole has also worked a lot at the BAT Centre where he has even had various exhibitions securing himself international audience. He is currently working with colour reduction woodcut techniques. This involves cutting away at the woodblock each time a new colour is printed. He makes small editions and uses glowing colour combinations to depict the message and mood of the print.

The artistic self of Isaac is fed and nurtured by the daily and cultural events in the lives of village people. His sensitivity towards the cultural and historical events is shown through his work and comments on such calamities such as the recent Mozambique floods. His love for the natural world is shown by depictions of fauna and flora in highly decorative landscapes.

PREVIOUS EXHIBITIONS:

1. Wood sculptures, Mezzanine Gallery - BAT Centre
2. Time in Life, Menzi Mchunu Gallery - BAT Centre

Heritage Art Exhibition - Durban Art Gallery

1. Solo exhibition, Kloof Maytime Centre

2004           O tenpo na Vida, Centro de Estudio Brasileiros, Maputo

1. Solo Exhibition, Summerhill Guest Estate
2. Exhibition for Art In The Park

2006           Solo Exhibition, in Australia