The Javett Art Centre recently held a letter-writing workshop that was inspired by the works of Lefifi Tladi. The event was held on 20 July from the early morning to 16:00.
Before the actual event started, guests were welcomed with a warm mug from a selection of hot beverages, setting a cosy mood for the day. Lefifi Tladi is a 75-year-old South African poet, painter, and musician. His artworks are meant to elevate perception. His name “Lefifi” directly translates to “darkness”, whereas “Tladi” means “lightning”. The current exhibition showcases some of the letters Tladi sent to his friends and loved ones during exile. These letters often express how the isolation he encountered affected him. They also express how he saw art being perceived, which he did not appreciate. In his letter to Bra Geoff, he mentions how his attempt to make a living from even art failed. To make matters worse, the middle class he could introduce the art to would not be able to afford it, nor would they see the value of his artworks. Currently, living in Sweden, Tladi still showcases his works in South Africa.
Tladi is also known as Jomo. This nickname derives from his goatee, which looks like Kenya’s post-independence hero known as Jomo Kenyatta. Besides his art, Tladi started making a name for himself in 1996 when he helped found a youth club in Ga-Rankuwa known as De-Olympia. Additionally, Tladi and others, such as club members and childhood friends, formed a jazz band called Malombo Jazz Messengers. The name of the band later changed to Dashiki. The musical instruments used included the flute, saxophone, guitar, and vibraphone.
What inspires Tladi’s works?
Unlike many artists, Lefifi Tladi’s artworks are not drawn from inspiration. Rather, his artworks are continuations of his previous works. His artworks are mainly abstract works, and some of them he would incorporate into the letters he would write. His mediums include oil, charcoal, and acrylic on paper. Alternative art techniques are his calligraphy works.
Tladi is also a philosopher and a collector of African artwork. One of his philosophical works is a painting from his The Roads collection titled “The road of the rose”. This bright artwork was made using a hand technique called Gokgopa, and it depicts roads in nature. The technique of Gokgopa is an African method of what one could call designing with their hands. It was used in ancient times to keep yards looking clean by using cow dung mixed with water. Tladi states that these depicted roads in the artwork are his philosophy that every species on this earth has a navigation system. This helps to maintain equilibrium and harmony in nature. Hence, harmony with nature is needed to regain one’s navigation system whenever one strays away from it.
The Ga re itlhatholleng exhibition
The Ga re itlhatholleng event was opened by Lerato Kuzwayo with Lerato Lodi, who also gave insight on the letters. The exhibition title translates to expressing or explaining oneself. A brief biography of the artist was given and some of the recordings Tladi recorded as a form of memory were played. Sitting in groups, guests then briefly discussed how Tladi’s works made them feel and if they resonated with them or not. Afterwards, participants were provided with art supplies to engage and write their own letters to their loved ones. The event ended with food being served to the guests, and a live band. The live band provided a musical rendition of Tladi’s works. The band members were Ntando Ngcapu, Lucas Senyatso, and Tshiamo Nkoane. A joyous moment arose when the band played a piano version of the nursery song, “If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands”, inviting the guests’ inner children to emerge. This brought about a nostalgic moment that allowed for interaction with the music being played.
Before the event drew to a close, guests mingled and networked, all while soaking in the beautiful music that echoed the spirit of Lefifi Tladi’s creations. Guests also had the privilege of taking their artworks or the letters they had written home. The event orchestrated by the Javett Art Centre is part of the public engagement efforts in collaboration with the Lefifi Tladi Collection Project. The purpose of the project is to restore and commemorate the life and works of Lefifi Tladi.
For those inspired to delve deeper into Lefifi Tladi’s artistic world, the Javett Art Centre welcomes visitors from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00. This ongoing exhibition is a testament to Tladi’s enduring legacy and the power of art to not only educate but also connect, heal, and inspire.
