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Arena for Contemporary African, African-American and Caribbean Art

Tanisha Bhana

Bhana

Tanisha Bhana is in group show ‘Dreams to Reality’ in Erdmann Contemporary In Capetown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BhanaDiscardsIIIDiscards III.

Listening to the silent voices of life’s landscape, I imagine a future legacy and enjoy seeing what’s left behind and what lies ahead. My images aim to thrust one to a subconscious core, prompting memories of our chosen voyage, while looking back towards a future in progress.

When present in life’s quiet places, I listen to the whispers of trees, veld, soil and bones, and share their stories in my images. In sensing the undertones of the soil that we walk on do we sometimes reconnect with our inner soul. My works invite the viewer to remember their innermost pieces gone astray.

We live in a time of immense social and environmental upheaval, fundamental change, deep-seated fears and fragmented structures. And we bear witness to some of the environmental penalties of our distracted human goals and short-term economic achievements.

BhanaMilkforDustMilk for Dust.

We live in societies where collective paradigms often define our life paths and sometimes inhibit our capacity to be intellectually free to take the fearful decisions that may lead to achieving our true potential.

Using paradoxical symbols of life and death, destruction and rejuvenation, and sometimes acting as a medium for the places that we inhabit, I depict the simultaneous beauty and disgust in life’s experiences. Synchronizing the pleasure and pain of life’s choices and chains, my works ignite a subconscious repulsion and connection to common associations that tie us together.

My work shares a perspective that is drawn from a deep connection with my ancient heritage, and a grounded conduit to the core that binds us. They are the mirror that is left behind when the imprint of our footsteps remain.

I record the human trail; so that we may look at ourselves and remember who we are.

BhanaMortalRemainsIVMortal Remains IV

Courtesy: Artco Art Gallery and the artist.