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Philemon Sangweni
Born: 1948, Vryheid KwaZulu- Natal
Philemon worked for a long period of time for a carpet company in Durban, but left in 1976 in the aftermath of the worker’s strikes. He then joined his family who live in a fertile wooded area near Empangeni, which prompted him to try his hand at woodcarving. His first carvings were of animals and birds, but later his interest shifted to include human figures, particularly images of woman. He is also concerned with the depiction of Zulu cultural history, of myths and of folklore. He also uses birds and animals as metaphors, to comment on political situations and international events.
Philemon is also concerned about conservation and teaches his local community about conservation of plant and animal life in his area.
He would like to build a gallery to show his own sculptures and other artworks from people in his area.
Exhibitions:
1987: University of Zululand (African Art Festival)
1989: Vulamehlo (Alliance Francaise/ Durban Art Gallery)
1992: “Wood Carvers of Natal”(Alliance Francaise/African Art Centre)
1993 : Yesterday Today Tomorrow (African Art Centre: group)
1996: Jo Thorpe Memorial Exhibition exhibited with Azaria Mbatha
. Zamokwakwe Gumede and Zazi Nkosi.
1994 : Jabulisa: The Art of KwaZuluNatal, Durban Art Gallery
1999 : Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Washington D.C. U.S.A.
2000 : FNB Vita Crafts
2000 : Senzenjani ngengculazi – What are we going to do about Aids” AAC
2001 : Asibuke abantu - Looking at People, The African Art Centre
2004 : Izinyoni – Birds, The African Art Centre
Awards:
1987: African Art Festival, University of Zululand
1998 : S.A. Sculpture Today Oudtshoorn Festival
2005/2006 Artist of The Year Award, African Art Centre
This award was initiated 2003, funded by the African Art Centre.
Reuben Ndwandwe was the 1st winner of the Award 2003/ 2004. (Masterweaver)
Timothy Mlambo was the 2nd winner of the Award 2004/ 2005. (Woodcarver)
Philemon Sangweni is the current 3rd winner of the Award 2005/2006 (Woodcarver)
Aim of Award
To focus on issues that empower creativity in KwaZulu Natal and to extend the Public definition of what the African Art Centre stands for.The Development Committee of the African Art Centre for the following reasons chooses candidates;
Mature as an artist/ craftsperson
Mature age
Capacity
Consistent production over a number of years
Visibility
Innovation
Vision
Historic contribution to art or craft
Passing on to their community their skills and knowledge
Collections:
Durban Art Gallery, Gertrude Posel Collection at WITS,
Carnegie Art Gallery, Newcastle, Natal Provincial Museum Services.
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