Five local female artists will take audiences on a journey through womanhood, identity and inherited memory when the Sikhona exhibition opens at the Eswatini Theatre Club on August 15.
Curated by Xolelwa Malinga and visual artist Phetsemajali Shongwe, the inaugural exhibition at the Eswatini Theatre Club brings together diverse artistic voices whose work explores the experiences and histories that shape women across generations.
Opening from 6pm to 8pm, Sikhona will feature photography, painting, pottery, glass and digital art by photographer Noncedo Msibi, self-taught artist and Art Hut founder Sinqobile Nkambule, potter Happiness Simelane, multidisciplinary artist Yenzo and Phetsemajali Shongwe.
The exhibition forms part of the Culture, Spaces, Context programme, an initiative that seeks to strengthen the country’s creative sector by creating opportunities for artists to exhibit their work, engage audiences and contribute to cultural dialogue.
The programme is supported by the Austrian Embassy Pretoria through the Austrian Cultural Forum and is implemented by the Eswatini Theatre Club.
Eswatini Theatre Club Vice Chairperson Sizo Hlophe said Sikhona was an inaugural exhibition at the Eswatini Theatre Club, bringing together five artists to explore womanhood, identity and inherited memory through photography, painting, pottery, glass and digital art.
“The exhibition traces girlhood, family teachings and intergenerational memories that shape who we are,” Hlophe said.
He added that each artist approached the theme from a unique perspective and medium, offering visitors an opportunity to experience stories of resilience, belonging, culture and self-discovery through contemporary African art.
“The exhibition also marks an important milestone for the Eswatini Theatre Club as it expands its role beyond theatre by providing a platform for visual artists and strengthening collaboration across creative disciplines,” said Hlophe.
For curator Xolelwa Malinga, Sikhona is more than an exhibition. It is a space where women’s voices, lived experiences and memories are preserved and shared through art, encouraging conversations about identity while celebrating the richness of Swati womanhood.
“We believe Sikhona will not only celebrate artistic excellence but also encourage meaningful conversations around culture, identity and the stories passed from one generation to the next,” added Hlophe.
