Lazi Mathebula | The Makings of You
08.06.2024
Kalashnikovv Gallery
Johannesburg
In “The Makings of You,” The work delves into the concept of deconstruction and reconstruction, exploring the intricate processes of breaking down and reassembling the various elements that constitute our identities and social fabric. Rooted in the definition of deconstruction as “to break something down into its separate parts in order to understand its meaning, especially when this is different from how it was previously understood,” this new body of work invites viewers to reflect on the multifaceted nature of personal and collective experience. Emerging from the pervasive fatigue brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the work addresses the profound impact on society, as well as the personal reckoning with trauma, relationships, and cultural influences. “The Makings of You” serves as a metaphorical and literal deconstruction and reconstruction of these experiences, examining how we have all been fundamentally altered and reshaped over time.
From childhood complexities of township upbringing, with aspirations of someday existing uptown but still holding on to the traditions of a conservative home, some of these elements are the threads of my social fabric. They remained largely uninterrupted until our interactions began to weave a more complex tapestry. The work speaks to these interactions and how they are deconstructed, examined, and reconstructed to meet our evolving needs. Through a meticulous process of breaking down, tearing, pulling, distorting, and washing away layers, I’m reclaiming what is left. The resulting works are a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. They represent the formation of new, supreme variants of our beings, constructed from the remnants of our past experiences and forged into new identities.
“The Makings of You” invites us to consider the ongoing process of self-construction. It challenges us to reflect on how our personal histories and cultural narratives are continually deconstructed and reassembled, shaping who we are and who we are becoming. Kalashnikovv is proud to present Lazi Mathebula’s “The Makings of You,” an exhibition that not only captures the essence of personal transformation but also speaks to the universal journey of reconstructing our identities in the face of profound change.
