Artist CV

Artist's statement

(b 1994ZA. Lives and works in Cape Town)

Using his isiXhosa cultural identity as a point of departure, Somdyala explores aspects of the cultural, political and social experiences of post-apartheid generations in South Africa. Working primarily in print and installation, his work is a tactile exploration of isiXhosa cultural identity within South African political history as it intersects with his day-to-day life.

Group exhibitions

2020
Matereality, Iziko South African National Gallery, Cape Town 
2019
the head the hand, blank projects, Cape Town 
Rocks, Gallery Gallery at The Atelier, Johannesburg
Familial Threads, Underline, Johannesburg 
2018
Amaqaba Vol. 1, Eclectica Contemporary, Cape Town 
2016
Unpacking, Eclectica Print Gallery, Cape Town 
2015
Collective Noun, Michaelis Gallery, Cape Town 

Awards & residencies

2020
Residency at Auckland Studios, Cape Town 
Residency at Open24HRS Studio, Cape Town
 
2017
 
Simon Gerson Prize 
Katrine Harries Print Cabinet Purchase Award
2016
Cecil Skotnes Scholarship