( 28.05.1970 - 20.12.2009 )

Born in Soweto, Dinkies Sithole is a painter, sculptor and acclaimed tap-dancer. He studied at the Pelmama Art Centre in Soweto and learned his dance techniques as a member of the Whizzkid Dance Group in Soweto in the late 1980s. He has practiced ballet, break-dancing and tap-dancing. As dancer and choreographer he has been involved in Arts Alive and the Grahamstown Arts Festival.

Sithole is much inspired by ritualistic and spiritual journeys, with his work (painting, sculpture and dance), way of life and love of nature being inextricably linked. Since childhood he has been fascinated by the philosophy and painting techniques ­ using natural pigments on the raw rock face - of the San people. Following an exchange of ideas with Asian students during his exhibitions in New York and Vermont, Sithole has been influenced also by Sharman and Buddist philosophies. The work on show reflects a certain calligraphic quality, using oriental inks and collage techniques on textured rice papers. Sithole explores the relationship between the elements ­ earth, wind, water and fire ­ and his paintings speak of human spiritual experience in uncovering our hidden sentiments as we confront our reality in relation to time and space.

Selected solo exhibitions: Meditating with the Sharmans, Franchise Gallery, Johannesburg (2005); Dinkies Sithole, Hanover Street Gallery, Liverpool (2001); Leaving Room for the Eye to Discover II, Johannesburg Art Foundation (2000); Leaving Room for the Eye to Discover I, Johannesburg Art Foundation (1998); Imidlalo, Rembrandt van Rijn Gallery, Newtown, Johannesburg (1997). Selected group exhibitions: New Paintings, Durban Art Gallery, Unisa, Johannesburg Art Gallery (2005 ­ 2006); Vermont Studio Art Centre Gallery, Johnson, USA (2002); Identities: CrossPath Culture, New York, USA (2001), Cross Overs, CrossPath Culture Studios, Johannesburg (2001); Black Visions, Mofolo Art Centre, Soweto (1995); Primitive Sculpture Exhibition, Newtown Galleries, Johannesburg (1992).

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