Oupa L. Sibeko is an interdisciplinary artist and scholar who is known for his theatre, gallery and academic expression. The subject matter that he deals with is that of body politics, specifically the body as a “a site of contested knowledge”. The elements that come to the fore in his photographic work are personal in nature and connect to spirituality, the body and culture. Sibeko’s practice opens dialogue and makes room for critical reflection. Oupa L. Sibeko is a recipient of the 2019 David Koloane Award together with Helena Uambembe and Wezile Mgibe.
The recipients of the 2019 award will be mentored by internationally acclaimed practitioners Zen Marie, Bettina Malcomess, Donna Kukama, Tracey Rose, and Laura Windvogel during a residency at Bag Factory Artists’ Studios. The selected artists’ work will culminate into individual performance pieces shown at the FNB Joburg Art Fair.
More about the David Koloane Award:
The David Koloane award, now in its tenth iteration, honours the life and career of curator, artist, writer and founder of Bag Factory Dr David Koloane (1938 – 2019). At the forefront of building the black art community in South Africa, Koloane was the co-founder of the first ever black art gallery in Johannesburg and vital in securing studio space for black artists at The Fordsburg Artists’ Studios.
The tenth anniversary of this award cherishes the legacy of Ntate Koloane, the
foundations he laid and the enormous contribution he made to developing the South
African arts industry. He is fondly remembered for his ethos of mentorship, learning
through exchange, and the communities of support that he fostered throughout his more
than 40-year career.
