For this work Khanyisa made use of a living person to model the figure. The artist has used muses before but generally the work is based on multiple characters from various real-life encounters. For this work the artist had meetings and photo shoots with the sitter or ‘muse’ to understand the variations in light and how it falls on the face of the sitter and the general physical translation of a 2-dimensional photograph to a sculptural form.
This work’s isiZulu title ‘Philani’ – translates into English as ‘to live’ or ‘to be alive’ – but it is also the name of the sitter in the piece. In Philani, Dada uses two symbols of South African culture – the Protea and Black Label Beer. The artist was interested in the Protea’s ability to withstand veld fires and that it represents diversity and courage. Black Label is a popular but also edgy drink – Dada combines these two seemingly disparate symbols to highlight the complexity and contrasting character of Philani.
It is this type of juxtaposition that is found throughout Khanyisa’s work – natural beauty and aesthetically pleasing scenes clash or contrast with a party lifestyle and consumerism.
The information was provided by the artist.
