These works were submitted for the "Monna ke Nku..." Group Exhibition that was curated by Thomas Masingi at The Viewing Room Art Gallery in April 2025. Theme: Indoda Ayikhali Indoda ayikhali (a man does not cry), is a Xhosa phrase that is used to encourage men to always be strong. This phrase is often used when men are faced with difficulties such as unemployment, divorce, losing a loved one or any circumstance that could be detrimental to their mental health. Being someone that has experienced the loss of a loved one, I have realised that as a man you have to be strong for everyone except yourself. During preparations for the burial there is no time for you to process the trauma, you are expected to work in the same way as other people offering support, until everything is done. After the burial everyone leaves, then the reality of the matter will kick in and you must be quiet because everyone around is going through the same process. However, what I have learnt from this journey is the fact that men are supportive to one another no matter what happens, maybe this is one of the reasons that motivates one to act strong because you do not want to let them down or seem weak in their presence. The notion of indoda ayikhali can also be compared to character of a sheep because of its sensitivity, even in other South African tribes most men are referred to as sheep since they do not speak up about their problems. There is a phrase in Sepedi that goes “monna ke nku”, it touches not only on issues that men go through daily but also to celebrate the roles they play in the lives of those around them. Sheep are complex animals, known for their meat, wool and for being social. One can think of a sheep as potentially a provider (meat) and protector/one who brings warmth (wool). Furthermore, men are generally social, especially in spaces where they are appreciated. In my art creation there is a link between sheep and men, I have tried to narrate a short scene of a men in difficult times and how they would behave sometimes. As a Xhosa man one is expected to go through something I would call liminal stages, where one must first do duties of being a boy such being a herd boy. If that boy becomes strong it can the pass-through initiation stage, then after he can go and hustle to be a better man around the community and do the family cultural practices. Even during death, one must be able to show strength, courage and acceptance but not grief and this is what my work is reflecting on.
