In Conversation with Xolile Mtakatya

In Conversation With

XOLILE MTAKATYA

By Sheila Petousis

Xolile Mtakatya was born in 1968 in

Cape Town Khayalitsha, his work hangs in public collections nationally and internationally including SA Breweries, Nandos and Old Mutual. In conversation with Xolile we reflect on his career from the day he walked through the doors of the Cape Gallery in 1999. It becomes evident that his vibrant abstractions and daily impressions speak to our common humanity and his love of people.

The Cape Gallery, Sheila: Hello Xolile do you remember me? I’m working for Gail, my mother, I studied graphic design and later print making.

Xolile Mtakatya: Oh! I studied graphic design for a year, do you know who my lecturer was? Nicholas Maritz! He was my first lecturer at the Foundation School of Arts, I still remember him saying ‘The eye sees and the mind perceives’

S, CG: Was that the first thing you studied?

XM: No, I started with the Community Arts Project in Woodstock (CAP) in 1987. On my first day in Barbara Jackson’s class I saw Ricky Dyaloy with a sculpture he had made and I was like - Ay! This young kwaai, he can do this! I was coming from detention in Mitchels Plein, and I was told to go to CAP.

S, CG: You were arrested?

XM: I was the media convener for the South African Youth Congress and had banned political material. The the first time I was arrested that was in 1986, I escaped, then about thirteen policemen came to take me back. Yes… and then I went to CAP… Velile Soha showed me the way… Ricky was there, I was impressed he was a young guy.

The Flight II, oil and charcoal on canvas, 68 x 68 cm

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Crossing of Cultivation, 200cm X 100cm, Photography, resin, Found objects, Paint, Layers

I attended classes with Brett Murray, Sue Williamson, Lisa Brice… Lionel Davis… Billy and I became friends. We would draw on the way home in the train and go to parties at the Base in Shortmarket Street… meeting people like Roger Meintjies and Beezy Baily. We would collaborate on projects with fellow artists… Louis Jansen van Vuuren, Tamlin Blake, Zwelethu Mtetwa.

S, CG: It was a dynamic time.

XM: Ya that time, ‘The Purple Rain’ in town and resistance art.

S, CG: You found your expression through art at CAP when you could have been angry. This is a lesson in peace we could all learn from you. Once you completed CAP, where did you study?

XM: The foundation school of art with Barbara Pitt. Tyrone Appollis studied there before me, I admired him for his expression. Me and David Hlongwane and Solomon Siko, we used to draw until morning, cooking rice with Saldanha (Pilchards) on the heater. I was part time, Solomon Siko and Billy, the big guys were full time. They would say, who is this artist? This boy must stop coming here, he disturbs us! My inspiration was from Billy, Solomon and Lionel Davis who taught me life drawing… my first time to see a white woman naked, you know those days… sorry (he laughs)

S, CG: No worries, after that you got involved with Thupela workshops?

XM: Aah yes, the name Thupela means teaching by example, it’s a Sotho name. Around this time I discovered drawing was my medium. Rose Korber jokingly called me the black William Kentridge. I have collaborated with many workshops and initiatives, nationally and internationally. In 2000 I did a mural in Essen with Mural Global – people were surprised how I would draw from memory. (Mural Global was chosen by UNESCO in 2001 for their contribution – a dialogue between cultures.) I started my own workshop – Khaymep inearly 90’s.

Previous Page: Street Theatre II, pastel, 65 x 98 cm. Right: Black and white with Baboon

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The Flight I, 74 x 60 cm, oil and charcoal on canvas

S, CG: Listening to you I see a dramatic past filled with vibrant colour and stories you had to tell. Now you speak of healing and reflection. Is abstraction a way of connecting with your feelings?

XM: I enjoy Abstract. I have recently done a mural for Nandos in Long Street inspired by those late nights with people I knew. When I have a story to tell, I draw figuratively. I like drawing women – monumental women. They are the ones who raised us and they are the ones who are often abused… children too. I want to show people what is really happening, how do we find harmony and respect for each other? I was cooking lunch for my uncle today and a boy climbed through the window across

the street. This boy’s mother is my cousin. It takes a village to raise a child. These boys are vandalising people’s houses taking TV’s and smoking Tik. He was arrested now now.

S, CG: These daily moments you describe things that happen in our communities… that is what is occupying your thoughts, now as we talk, finding balance.

Xolile’s exhibition will be on show at the Cape Gallery until 24th May, he is also working on an educational initiative at Goodwood prison in partnership with correctional services.

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