Featuring large-scale, mixed-media collages on canvas (co-created with Kim-Lee Loggenberg at the David Krut Workshop) and a stop-motion animation video, Ntuli's work presents reconfigured and fragmented archival images of significant historical figures in South Africa. With his art, he questions the nature of archives and explores the politics of image-making. His ultimate aim is to decontextualise images so that the story they tell is interrupted, and the viewer is invited to reconsider the narrative at hand.
Ntuli is best known for his exploration of both the 'front' and 'back ends' of digital art-making. For him, the front end is the final image that's visible to the viewer, while the back end is the mysterious and unreadable lines of code. He is especially inspired by open-source software, and has explored the influence of this new turn in technology on the art world. Through these explorations, he developed 3D silicone rollers that can create different patterns, such as parallel lines, waves, and dots. These patterns are used in his mixed-media images, and are a reflection of his passion for transparency in the image-making process.
By venturing into this new territory, Ntuli has "[expanded] his artistic language beyond traditional collage techniques." According to Dr Dineke Orton, curator at UJ Art Gallery, this makes him "an exceptional artist who seamlessly bridges the gap between traditional art mediums and innovative digital expressions."
Join a walkabout with Ntuli on Sat, Oct 19 and a workshop exploring the making of the artist's prints on Sat, Nov 9. RSVP here.
Umfanekiso Uyopha Inkungu (An Image Oozes Mist) shows at UJ Art Gallery until Fri, Nov 15.
