Please tell us a bit about yourself
Minenhle Ntuli is a simple if not basic designer from KZN, eChibini. I come from a very content and giving family and this has influenced the person I am today. I would like to think I am hilarious and this is something I am bringing forth in my work. On a more serious and professional note – this is me…… Minenhle Siphesihle Ntuli is an artist whose practice is spread across the fields of design (architecture and furniture) and photography. My design work emerges from a formal training in architecture whereas the photography is self-taught. Both fields occupy equal importance in my life as a mean of defining and finding oneself beyond the place of one’s birth. I am from eChibini (or Ozwathini), a sparsely populated rural area animated by lush rolling mountain ranges, undulating valleys and meandering rivers. My upbringing was held by a syncretic faith of iZayoni (Zionist Church), the details of the faith are found in most of my work, both in my design and
photographs. My photographic work is about finding one’s place of provenance, then my architectural work is about giving expression to the emergent or the yet to become. In both strands of work, composition is integral and I use desaturation and monochrome as a way to centre the subject or object for which the photograph is in service. My work is an investigation into the essential qualities of my subject matter which are often rural settings. The focus on the essential brings a sense of quietude to my photographic output.
Imagination is the first and perhaps the most important journey and it is one which I use to build tension between points of history (the nostalgic) and futurisms (the emergent). My images are imbued with a deep sense of coded nostalgia, often resonant with those who have a particular exposure to rural black life whilst still being accessible to the more general observer who does not have this proximity. Design and photography is my method of knowing the world whilst also knowing oneself, opening up the world and opening oneself up to the world. I regularly feature in design magazines, platforms and frequently feature in exhibitions of the field.
Take us back to when your interest in architecture began? What inspired you
to pursue a career as an architectural designer?
I have always been creative and curious which later showed up in my choice of subjects in High School, where I chose Visual Arts and EGD (Engineering, Graphics & Design). My then teacher Mr Naidoo, loosely mentioned Architecture as one of the courses I should look into and that’s where the seed was planted. I think subconsciously I just gravitated towards it as it also sounded ‘fancy’ and a level up from what my parents professions (Teachers). I would later learn that Architecture has quite a nice balance between ‘engineering and art’ which I found very accommodation for a versatile creative like myself. I would also like to mention that it was always a goal of mine to study something ‘different’ as an ode to my family’s contribution to my upbringing and education.
What is your best project up to date? What skills did you have to learn while
working on that project?
Tough one because I feel like my whole career is a project itself, but my highlight has to be the group exhibition I was part of at KZNSA, namely 'Nguni Kwelakithi' – curated by Mandisa Buthelezi. It was very affirming and encapsulated and I care about. Most importantly my family and friends attended the show, which was a memorable moment as most of my career has been outside Kwa Zulu Natal. The project affirmed and solidified my voice and position as an Artist – opening the door to the artist’s industry – I had to learn a lot about the industry overall getting a better understanding of my audience
and intent.
How has the experience of being exposed to both the rural and urban
landscape influenced your creative process?
It has made me appreciate the rural more, my family are geniuses for allowing us grow in the city but use the weekend to keep us connected with inkaba yethu (rural/home). This has influenced my love and appreciation for the process/journey over product/destination. Life emakhaya is ‘slow’ and I think I that should be celebrated. There’s a certain humility and sense of community that I am drawn about the ‘rurals’ – it’s one thing I believe the individualistic city life could learn.
The cinematography and aesthetic is quite fascinating when it comes to your
photography, is photography a practice that you are considering to take
further considering that you have participated in a group exhibition in 2022 at KZNSA?
Yes, for sure. The KZNSA exhibition solidified my photography ‘calling’ – especially since I am self-taught with influences from my Architectural background. I now see my work as art that I would love to continuously share with people that see themselves in it. I always assume the audience is smart – this informs my minimalistic aesthetic that cleverly captures
elements and moments that trigger certain moments and memories.
Where do you find your inspiration from?
This question never gets easier, my biggest inspiration is my family. They are me and I am them – abakhona nabangasekho (dead and alive). It’s their validation that I seek first. I come from a selfless family of givers – my work is a continuation of that. I have great passion for our culture, language and ways of living, I want to continuously celebrate this through my work and instil confidence and self-belief to those who come across me and my work.
Any exciting projects that you are currently working on?
Yes, I am finally embracing my ‘calling’ to create tangible products that people can have in their spaces. I am currently working on my website which would house these items: photography, furniture and objects. I am excited to be embarking on this journey as it comes with some discomfort and forces me to tap into my non-existent entrepreneurial side, but I will be fine. I always belief my gift will carry me, until the dust settles.
Comments