Bheki Anderson Sibiya

In November 1994, Bheki Sibiya was born in Katlehong, Natal Spruit, and raised in a multi-mother household. His upbringing, especially not having a father, significantly impacted his creative development. The void of traditional male customs that would typically come from his father’s side of the family led him to explore his identity through art. Drawing his family and everyday life was the first step in his quest to understand himself more. His pursuit of identification also drove him to study anthropology, which further influenced his approach to art.

Sibiya studied printmaking at Artist Proof Studio. With the use of this medium, he was able to express himself more freely and in ways that felt more in line with his developing vision, incorporating his knowledge of art history with socio-political issues.

Sibiya’s work explores themes of tradition, identity, and modernity, delving into the ways in which cultural roots interact with contemporary life. Sibiya investigates the pressures individuals face to conform to modern societal norms, often at the expense of their traditional selves. His artistic vision is informed by his Ndebele and Zulu heritage, and he frequently uses the silhouette of his mothers as a guardian figure in his work, with Ndebele patterns symbolising communication and language. Sibiya works primarily in etching and linocut. In addition to printmaking, he employs mixed media to expand his conceptual framework and project his ideas with greater flexibility and impact.