Inzalo Ye Langa: Birthplace of the Sun – Second Solo Exhibition of Sthenjwa Luthuli

Inzalo Yelanga, 2023, Hand-carved super wood block mix, 184 x 136 x 4 cm

Courtesy of Unit London

Unit London announces Inzalo Ye Langa: Birthplace of the Sun, a new solo show with one of South Africa’s young emerging artists, Sthenjwa Luthuli, opening July 25th. Inspired by African history and culture, Luthuli’s second solo exhibition with Unit London explores ancestral connections and ancient traditions, incorporating sculpture into his practice for the first time. The exhibition takes its name from Inzalo Ye Langa, or Birthplace of the Sun, the African name for a series of stones believed to be the oldest manmade structure in the world.

Inzalo Ye Langa: Birthplace of the Sun presents a series of Luthuli’s meticulously hand-carved and painted pieces. Each artwork is inspired by African history, harking back to Black ancestral traditions. The circular patterns of colour in each artwork are inspired by traditional healing methods. African healers often use colourful beads in their process, using different colour formations to treat different issues and chase away bad spirits. Luthuli feels that many younger generations in Africa have grown distant from their ancient heritage as a result of colonisation and an education that places an emphasis on Western history and culture.

Inzalo Ye Langa: Birthplace of the Sun will be on view in Unit London until August 24th. Luthuli will also be participating in Africa Inspires at the Afrika Museum, Berg en Dal, Netherlands (2023).

Follow @unitlondon on Instagram for event and programming updates throughout the show.