David Krut first encountered Kekana’s artistry during a visit to the Bernard Jacobson Gallery in London in the winter of 2023. Undiscovered Canvas’s group exhibition featured works by emerging contemporary artists, including Lulama Wolf, Lesego Seoketsa, Nene Mahlangu, and Nthabiseng Boledi Kekana. David was profoundly moved by Kekana’s compelling imagery and saw great potential for her work in print.
In March 2024, Kekana was invited by David Krut Projects to begin her printing journey under the guidance of master printer Roxy Kaczmarek. Kaczmarek explains that printmaking can be challenging for novice artists, particularly when working with dynamic materials such as ink and perspex, which are very different from canvas and paint. Printmaking, especially monotyping, involves both reductive and additive processes, concepts that Kekana quickly embraced. Kaczmarek praised Kekana’s swift drawing skills and her ability to master the technical nuances, enabling her to work on larger scales shortly after starting. The studio routinely invites talent from various disciplines to collaborate, with the master printer's role being to help an artist translate their medium into devastatingly beautiful print works. Kekana has adopted various techniques such as etching and sugar lifting, and Kaczmarek is excited to see how these skills translate back into Kekana’s paintings and drawings.
This opportunity came at a perfect time for Kekana, following her residency with Makwande Art Residency in France in 2023. The inspiration for her print works continues from that journey. Kekana has always found it challenging to articulate the message in her works as the images she paints are often depictions of dreams or visions she receives. She describes the figures in works such as "Covenant" as sentinels, considering them matriarchs from the past, present, and possibly future. She postulates that they have come as guides in her journey towards reconciliation with her ancestry. Following the residency's success, Kekana rented her own studio space in Johannesburg. With this came the pressure to create continuously and show on social media, often betraying her need for an internal quiet. She credits much of the spiritual depth in her works to the constant support of her mother as well her spiritual mentor, Celi Stewart, to whom she dedicates her etched pieces ‘Ancestral Alignment 1 and 2’. Her experience with Kaczmarek allowed her the freedom to explore and investigate new forms of expression, realigning herself with her personal values and artistic intentions. Kekana is thrilled to be alongside other incredible artists showcasing at the RMB Latitude Art Fair under David Krut Projects
Undiscovered Canvas is excited about this collaboration as it highlights the support they offer their artists. It demonstrates that continuous investment in an artist can yield significant results. As a European-based agency, it is gratifying to see the far-reaching impact of their work and its resonance back in South Africa. This collaboration is set to establish a strong base of collectors and audience for Kekana at home, making it a timely endeavor.
With evidence of her surpassing creative potential, it is exciting to see Nthabiseng Boledi Kekana making her mark in both South African and international art markets. What a time for contemporary African art!
AUTHOR
Dzunisani Ngobeni
