Notes

“He was a leader of the generation who managed to leave behind the forms of African curios, reject the European-held paternalism which encouraged notions of ‘naïve’ and ‘tribal’ African art, and yet still hold fast to the core of the old legends and spiritual values of his people.”¹

Sydney Kumalo commenced formal art training at the age of 17 at the Polly Street Art Centre in 1952. Initially he was taught by Cecil Skotnes who, recognising his nascent talent, arranged for him an apprenticeship with Edoardo Villa. He taught at the Polly Street Art Centre alongside Skotnes until 1964 when he became a full-time professional artist, receiving much guidance and mentorship from Villa. He was always quick to acknowledge Skotnes and Villa as mentors and friends and it was under their guidance that he learnt the technical skills with which to develop his own distinctive formal language.

When the Polly Street Art Centre moved to the Jubilee Centre in 1960, Kumalo replaced Skotnes as senior art instructor, until his departure in 1964. It was predominantly during this period that his influence on his students and contemporaries and his contribution to the shaping of a new art in twentieth century South Africa was most prevalent.

In the current lot, the visual connection to Edoardo Villa’s work is clear, as well as the influence of the work of (particularly) Henry Moore and (to a lesser degree) Lynn Chadwick, both of whom Kumalo deeply admired. His lifestyle, his interest in blues and jazz music, and the growing sense of defiance to which he was exposed while growing up in Sophiatown are evident in the vitality and energy of this sculpture. Various aspects of his early life, a family related to the traditional Zulu royal house, urban schooling and international travel all contributed to a broad cultural mix that enriched his work. Horse and Rider combines all of these aspects of his life and personality in a sculpture that marries the distinctive look and feel of traditional African art with the principles and influence of modern Western art practices.

¹ http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/sydney-alex-kumalo

Exhibited

South African Association of Arts, Pretoria, 1 to 20 November 1976. Another work from the edition.

Literature

Berman, Esme. (1983) Art and Artists of South Africa, Cape Town: AA Balkema. Page 403 where a photograph of the artist with the artwork is illustrated.

South African Arts Calendar, Volume 1, number 10, November 1976