Khaya Sineyile
Khaya Sineyile, born in 1983, is an esteemed South African artist from the Xhosa tribe. The Xhosa people have a rich history and are known for their strong community bonds, steadfast traditional beliefs, and vibrant oral traditions. Sineyile's work in the figurative and abstract genres draws inspiration from these customs, exploring the significance of one's heritage and the values it encompasses.
Central to Sineyile's work are the key elements of Xhosa culture: 'Ubuntu' (I am because we are), rituals and ceremonies, and 'Ubuntu Batho' (humanity towards others). 'Ubuntu' promotes compassion, empathy, and communal support, emphasising respect for elders, ancestors, and authority figures, as well as for the environment and all living beings. Family is considered the cornerstone of Xhosa culture, and rituals and ceremonies play a vital role in community bonding and cultural preservation.
'Ubuntu Batho' highlights the importance of treating others with kindness, fairness, and dignity. It encourages acts of generosity, sharing, and community support, while also emphasising the sacredness of the land, plants, and animals. Traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable practices are passed down through generations, contributing to the well-being of both individuals and the community.
These traditions within Xhosa culture hold universal values, emphasising the importance of kindness towards others and building a sense of identity in a world filled with moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas. Sineyile also challenges certain traditions that may no longer hold relevance, while advocating for finding harmony between tradition and change. He encourages embracing the best qualities of one's culture while being mindful of its pitfalls. In a world where moral ambiguity and ethical dilemmas prevail, drawing upon the value
systems of one's culture can guide individuals in making informed choices that align with their personal values and contribute to the greater good. Sineyile's work serves as a reminder of the profound impact cultural heritage can have on shaping identity and fostering positive change in society. Sineyile’s abstract works have been a significant part of the African art tradition for centuries. Abstract elements can be found in various forms of African art, including sculpture, painting, textiles, and pottery, but more recently translated on canvas. Abstract patterns, geometric shapes, and stylised forms are frequently employed to convey symbolic meanings, spiritual concepts, and cultural narratives. These abstractions may represent ancestral spirits, natural elements, or abstract ideas such as unity, harmony, and balance. Sineyile’s use of abstract forms not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of his artwork but importantly serves as a means of conveying cultural values and narratives in a visually contemporary way.
Country • SOUTH AFRICA
Medium • MIXED MEDIA on canvas
FIRST EXHIBITION WITH CHRISTOPHER MOLLER GALLERY • 2024
Explore his Work
Previous exhibitions by KHAYA SINEYILE
SOLO SHOWS
2022 ‘We are the Generations of Beautiful Pictures’, World Art Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
2022 ‘I’ve Got Stories to Tell’, Candice Berman Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa
2017 ‘See no Evil Hear no Evil’, 99 Loop Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
2016 Issue no 32, 99 loop Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
2014 Abahanahanisi Abangcwele, Blank projects, Cape Town, South Africa
2012 Rewind AVA Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
GROUP SHOWS
2024: Refuse the given world, Kalashnikov Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
2024 Sabonana, Zeitz Mocaa, Educational Department
2024: Sans Frontiers Dunoon Burghal Gallery Scotland
2023: Southern Soul, Artyli, Johannesburg, South Africa
2023 RMB Latitude, Gallery Momo, Johannesburg, South Africa
2023 Face and places Galley Momo Johannesburg, South Africa
2023 Aspire Auction Johannesburg, South Africa
2023 Creative Blocks, GFI Gallery Gqeberha
2023 Creative Block Turbine Art Fair Johannesburg, South Africa
2022: August House Studios, Johannesburg, South Africa
2022: House is a home, August House Studios, Johannesburg, South Africa Curated by Sara Hallett
2022 San Frontiers Print, Reveal Art Fair
2021 Figurative duo Exhibition, Khaya Sineyile and Treasure Mlima
2020 San Frontiers, Gallery F, Cape Town
2020 Boys don’t cry, Rust en Vrede gallery, Cape Town, South Africa curated by Donovan Mynhardt
2019 San Frontier, Ava Gallery Cape Town, South Africa
2018 Untitled 99 Loop Gallery Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
2018 ABSA KKNK Curated by Nadja Dahaenke, Western Cape, South Africa
2018 Youngblood Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
2017 Art Auction, Fire and Ice Hotel Pretoria, South Africa
2016 Jika –Jika lets celebrate, Souk waqif Art Center, Doha, Qatar
2016 Untitled Pretoria Art Gallery, Pretoria, South Africa
2016 Cape Town Art Fair, 99 Loop Gallery Cape Town, South Africa
2016 To Whom It May Concern, curated by Barnabas Muvhati
2015 Turbine Art fair 99 loop Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa
2015 Pop Soues Revolutionary
2015 Untitled 99 Loop Gallery Cape Town, South Africa
2015 Cape Town Art Fair, AVA Curated Matthew Blackman, Cape Town, South Africa
2015 Untitled 99 loop Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
2014 Turbine Art fair, 99 loop gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa
2013 Perceptual Vigilance curated by Kirsty Cockerill, AVA Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa
2011 Various artists, Art for Africa- Creative blocks New York Auction, U.S.A
2010 Creative blocks curated by Jeannette Blignaut Association for Visual Art (AVA) Cape Town
2010 National Treasures, Johannesburg Art Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa
2010 Catch 2010 curated by Jaime Vasquez 38 Special Gallery, Cape Town
2009 Art for Africa creative blocks- London Auction, U.K
2009 Small work exhibition Truworths foyer, Cape Town, South Africa
2009 Five Seasons Mentorship Exhibition Great More Art Studio, Cape Town, South Africa
2009 1st Jump Start mentorship program Vansa Cape Town, South Africa
2009 Soul of Africa, Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Johannesburg, South Africa
2009 Creative blocks curated by Jeannette Blignaut Red Black and White Gallery, Bosman Crossing Stellenbosch, South Africa
2009 Abazobi Exhibition Guga Sthebe, Langa, Cape Town curated by Gabi Ngcobo and Pierre Fouche, South Africa
ART EDUCATION
2004-05 Arts and Media: Access Center (AMAC) Formerly Community Art Projects 2006-07 Good Hope Art Studies
COLLECTIONS
Spier Stellenbosch, Nandos - London, Truworths. Hollard Insurance, numerous private collections in South Africa also USA, London Germany, Austria, Hungary, Australia, and New Zealand