Sam Nhlengethwa: Art Meets Fashion

Sam Nhlengethwa, The yellow hood – diptych (detail), 2023. Courtesy of Goodman Gallery

Goodman Gallery presents Art Meets Fashion, an exhibition of new paintings and prints by Sam Nhlengethwa. This body of work sees the artist explore the connection between art and fashion, as well as highlighting beauty of and visibility for people with albinism.

Throughout his career, Nhlengethwa has developed a distinctive collage and painting practice that explores everyday life in South Africa, from city life to domestic spaces to the influence of mining. His oeuvre, approach toartmaking and involvement in institutions such as Bag Factory Artist Studios has contributed greatly to the South African arts landscape, making him one of the country’s seminal artists.

Central to his practice and his life is a fascination with the sartorial; how people dress themselves to represent who they are and how they view the world. For the artist, clothing and art have always fed each other. This circular feedback loop is what he highlights through runway scenes and portraits of vibrant colour. Taking this further, Nhlengethwa is collaborating with iconic South African designer Sonwabile Ndamase – the creator of the iconic Madiba shirt worn by former President Nelson Mandela. Under his label Vukani Fashions, Ndamase will produce a new collection inspired by the paintings.

As with previous exhibitions, Nhlengethwa is using his practice to platform those in society who are often overlooked. For this show thea artist includes people with albinism as the central figures in his works and is collaborating with model, motivational speaker and inclusion activist, Palesa Mosiea to sensitively unpack their challenges and highlight their radiance.