South Africa

The Search for a Face: Treasure Mlima’s Fusion of Tradition and Technology

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This Friday marks the opening of the highly anticipated first international solo show for Treasure Mlima, a talented young artist from South Africa. The exhibition will take place at the esteemed Gordon Gallery in Israel. At the tender age of 24, Mlima has managed to cultivate a distinctive artistic style as he skillfully combines elements of technology and tradition in a harmonious and captivating manner.

Mlima’s creative process begins by sourcing images from the vast expanse of the internet. These digital representations then undergo meticulous electronic manipulation, transforming them into a unique visual language. Once the digital transformation is complete, Mlima takes his artistry to a physical level. He expertly carves the images onto wooden panels. To further enhance the depth and complexity of his pieces, he employs paint both below and above the chipped and carved wood. As a result, he creates a mesmerizing fusion of colors and textures.

Treasure Mlima – Black Frequency. Medium: Supawood carving, Oil-based ink, and Acrylic paint. Dimensions: 1.6m x 85cm
Year: 2023. Image courtesy of Instagram

The subjects of Mlima’s artwork are equally intriguing. He masterfully depicts figures that reside at the crossroads of ancestral heritage, contemporary cultural icons, and futuristic robots. This convergence of themes creates a thought-provoking and visually stunning experience for the viewer.

Before the international exhibition, Mlima showcased a selection of his works at the renowned Fresh Paint Art Fair. The response from the audience was nothing short of enthusiastic, with several pieces already finding new homes. The positive reception at the fair has generated even more anticipation for the current exhibition at Gordon Gallery.

The search for face opening at the RMB Latitudes 2023 art fair experience. Image courtesy of Instagram.

For art enthusiasts and admirers of Mlima’s work, this exhibition is an absolute must-see. “The Search for a Face exhibition showcase promises to be a captivating exploration of Mlima’s artistic journey. Additionally, he conveys a profound message through his art. The exhibition will be running until June 24, offering ample time for visitors to immerse themselves in the world of Treasure Mlima.

If you find yourself in the vicinity of Gordon Gallery, do not miss the opportunity to witness the artistic brilliance of this young South African artist. Mlima’s ability to seamlessly merge technology and tradition, and his thought-provoking subject matter, make this exhibition a truly unique and captivating experience. Come and discover the extraordinary talent of Treasure Mlima and delve into the captivating world of “The Search for a Face.”

Author

Rose Mwikali Musyoki is a creative writer from Nairobi, Kenya. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business and Finance from the University of Embu, Kenya, and is the founder of Bloom Inc, an art startup in Kenya. Currently, she works as a writer for Art Network Africa.

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