A powerful new exhibition, Izwe noMhlaba, by emerging artist Nkabinde Mpendulo, is currently on display at the Bag Factory Artists’ Studios in Newton as part of the 2025 Young Unframed project. Curated by Karabelo Temeki, the exhibition delves into themes of memory and identity through a deeply personal and autoethnographic lens.
A Reflection on Upbringing and Disruption
Mpendulo shared that the inspiration for his work stems from his upbringing and the contrasts between his early life and his experiences after entering formal education. “My work comes from my upbringing and comparing how life was before I was sent to school and after,” he explained. “The experiences throughout that journey introduced me to new questions, inspiring me to explore further.”
The exhibition is a meditation on memory—both what is preserved and what is erased—particularly in the context of cultural identity. Mpendulo incorporates natural materials like rocks inscribed with clan names and praises, juxtaposed with industrial elements such as steel and motors. This contrast, he says, symbolizes the tension between traditional ways of life and the overpowering influence of Westernized systems.
Language as Archive, Earth as Witness
Central to the exhibition is the idea of language as a form of archiving history. “The memory is embedded in the words we use,” Mpendulo noted. “The earth recognizes our actions as humans, and that interaction is captured in the language we speak every day.”
The inclusion of industrial materials serves to highlight what he describes as an “erasure” of indigenous knowledge and practices. “We now tend to undermine our own ways of living,” he said, emphasizing how colonial legacies continue to shape contemporary identities.
A Collaborative Vision
Curator Karabelo Temeki worked closely with Mpendulo to bring the exhibition to life, encouraging a free and explorative approach. “I told him to be free, be playful, and fight for his story,” Temeki shared. The result is a raw, confrontational, yet deeply reflective body of work that challenges viewers to engage with their own histories.
Exhibition Details
Izwe noMhlaba runs until May 31, with a final walkthrough scheduled from 12 PM to 1 PM on the closing day. Located at the Bag Factory in Newton, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on personal and collective memory, the impact of colonialism, and the ongoing reclamation of cultural identity.
As Mpendulo puts it: “I’m not as concerned about where you start or where you end—I’m far more concerned about what you take away, and what you leave behind.”
For those seeking an immersive, thought-provoking artistic experience, this exhibition is not to be missed.
