Kenneth Shandu
Exhibition AVA: The Promise, 2024 Nando’s Creative Exchange (Group Show) | 16.01.25 - 27.02.25
Kenneth Shandu is a contemporary artist whose multifaceted practice encompasses drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and installation. Born in KwaMbonambi, KwaZulu-Natal, Shandu now resides in Durban, where he continues to explore the socio-economic issues affecting marginalized communities in post-apartheid South Africa. He graduated with a Diploma in Fine Art from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in 2018 and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in Fine Arts at the same institution.
Shandu’s work is deeply rooted in the lived experiences of marginalized farmers and informal traders, reflecting his commitment to highlighting their struggles and contributions to society. As a finalist for the Sasol New Signatures Art Awards in both 2018 and 2021, he has gained recognition for his powerful commentary on identity and displacement. His accolades include awards from the PPC Imaginarium Art & Design Competition and participation in the NSA Members Exhibition.
An active member of the art community, Shandu has served as an assistant curator and participated in the Thupelo Art Workshops, while also working as a teaching assistant at DUT. He has showcased his work in numerous group exhibitions, notably in the 2019 “Land” exhibition at the KZNSA Gallery, and his recent solo show, “Azilime Ziyetsheni,” at the Bag Factory in 2022. Through his artistic endeavors, Shandu aims to challenge perceptions and elevate the narratives of those often overlooked in society.
“My work addresses the multifaceted issues of displacement and the deconstruction of black identity narratives shaped by our history, particularly in the context of marginalized communities in Durban. I seek to shed light on the challenges faced by informal traders, the homeless, and others engaged in unrecognized activities within the city. Their contributions, often undervalued, raise critical questions about visibility in the broader economy and the politics of identity.
Through my materials and methods, I highlight the consequences of marginalization and the ways in which these issues influence societal perceptions. The difficulties faced by these communities run deep, as historical systems have been designed to restrict their participation in economic development. In creating art, I aim to provoke dialogue and inspire change, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of identity, value, and belonging in our society.”
Instagram: @kennethstudio93
