Nando’s Creative Exchange: Sifiso Temba

INTERVIEWED BY Michaela Stehr

Nando’s Creative Exchange (NCX) aims to recognise emerging South African fine artists who demonstrate exceptional ability and help them take the next steps in their careers.

The programme offers four artists mentorship opportunities, with art materials sponsorship, culminating in a group exhibition. This was showcased first in October at the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg and then at the AVA Gallery in Cape Town. We chat with Sifiso Temba, one of the four chosen local artists.

How did your artistic journey begin?

I got involved in art at Primary school. I always thought whatever I will be when I grow up it has to do with drawing. I participated in a couple of graphic design and architecture workshops in my high school years. Around the same time, I picked up street art, it was then getting involved in the art culture, behaviour, dress code, and language. At some point, I did an electrical course for 3 years for my parent’s sake and then later enrolled at Artist Proof Studio where I got involved in art professionally until now. 

What words best describe your work?

My work is forever changing it’s crude, expressive, provoking, surreal, and futuristic. 

What does being a part of the Nando’s Creative Exchange Programme mean to you? 

Being part of the NCX program means I exist, I’m seen, I belong, I’m here, in reality, I’m hitting the right keys. It is a privilege to be part of the program with great minds to share ideas and experiences. 

How do you feel about mentorship and learning through an experienced industry professional? 

There is an African idiom that goes “indlela ibuzwa kwabaphambili” this translates to “ask the way from those who have gone through it’” There is always room to learn as a human and to have a good-spirited guide as Pippa Heatherington. It was an awesome experience. 

What would you like to gain both personally and professionally through this experience? 

Personally, I’d have to say trust and kindness to myself and professionally it has to be consistent in the work I make. 

Where have you been looking for inspiration for your pieces? 

I looked for inspiration from dark moments within myself like being suppressed by anxieties and terrorized by the “I’m not good enough” to “I need to awaken my soul” then the pieces become what they are today.

What does your creative process look like?

I choose a theme, select keywords for emotions, composition, and colour, get references from staging or the internet, manipulate images on photoshop, and then paint.

Any other interesting things you’d like to add? 

I love people, I love life and let’s be kind to each other.

A selection of their work will be on show at the Association for Visual Arts (AVA) Gallery in Cape Town from 01 December 2022 to 12 January 2023.

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