Artwork

Led by faith and not by sight

2023 Competition entry

Detail
Tags

Sebotse Selamulela

Details:
Not Signed
Wood carving
60cm x 80.2 cm
R1800.00
Description:
Led by faith and not by sight, my woodblock carving delves into the depths of spiritual exploration, guided by hope and a fervent desire to uncover the truth. It is a testament to the intricate tapestry of my journey, one that wrestles with the complexities of embracing both Christianity and African spirituality.

Within this artwork, I employ powerful symbols that serve as allegories for the themes of hope and looking into the future. The head wrap, a symbol of cultural pride and identity, represents the rich heritage from which I draw strength and inspiration. It signifies my willingness to confront the external noise and forge a path that unifies my diverse spiritual experiences.

Beads, meticulously carved into the wood, symbolise the interconnectedness of different spiritual practices and their ability to seamlessly coexist. Each bead tells a story, representing the diverse beliefs and rituals that shape our understanding of faith. As they intertwine and merge, they form a visual representation of hope for unity and acceptance among different spiritual paths.

The layered blindfold in my artwork represents the willingness to surrender to the unknown, to trust in something greater than ourselves, even in the face of uncertainty. It signifies the courage to explore beyond what we can see with our physical eyes and the belief that there is a higher purpose guiding our spiritual journey. Another prominent symbol is the staff, intricately carved with a cross inside. This staff represents the strength and guidance provided by Christ, serving as a foundation and compass in navigating the complexities of embracing African spirituality alongside Christianity. It is a symbol of hope that these seemingly disparate paths can coexist harmoniously, leading us toward an enriched understanding of spirituality.

Looking into the future, my artwork envisions a society that transcends the conflicts and doubts surrounding African spirituality. It stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals to embrace their unique spiritual journeys and encouraging communities to foster love, acceptance, and understanding. By addressing the challenges of spiritual awakening, my art strives to create a sense of unity, providing a space for people like me to find solace and strength within a supportive community.

As I chisel away at the wood, I symbolically delve deep into myself, accepting my roots and finding stability and strength in my faith. Through this intricate process, I embrace the complexity of spirit, compelling viewers to reflect upon their own spiritual journeys and join me in envisioning a future where diversity is celebrated, and love and understanding prevail. Together, we can pave a path towards a brighter future, where spirituality transcends divisions and transforms into a unifying force that uplifts and guides us all.

Wood

Detail
Tags

Sebotse Selamulela

Details:
Not Signed
Wood carving
60cm x 80.2 cm
R1800.00

Description:
Led by faith and not by sight, my woodblock carving delves into the depths of spiritual exploration, guided by hope and a fervent desire to uncover the truth. It is a testament to the intricate tapestry of my journey, one that wrestles with the complexities of embracing both Christianity and African spirituality.

Within this artwork, I employ powerful symbols that serve as allegories for the themes of hope and looking into the future. The head wrap, a symbol of cultural pride and identity, represents the rich heritage from which I draw strength and inspiration. It signifies my willingness to confront the external noise and forge a path that unifies my diverse spiritual experiences.

Beads, meticulously carved into the wood, symbolise the interconnectedness of different spiritual practices and their ability to seamlessly coexist. Each bead tells a story, representing the diverse beliefs and rituals that shape our understanding of faith. As they intertwine and merge, they form a visual representation of hope for unity and acceptance among different spiritual paths.

The layered blindfold in my artwork represents the willingness to surrender to the unknown, to trust in something greater than ourselves, even in the face of uncertainty. It signifies the courage to explore beyond what we can see with our physical eyes and the belief that there is a higher purpose guiding our spiritual journey. Another prominent symbol is the staff, intricately carved with a cross inside. This staff represents the strength and guidance provided by Christ, serving as a foundation and compass in navigating the complexities of embracing African spirituality alongside Christianity. It is a symbol of hope that these seemingly disparate paths can coexist harmoniously, leading us toward an enriched understanding of spirituality.

Looking into the future, my artwork envisions a society that transcends the conflicts and doubts surrounding African spirituality. It stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals to embrace their unique spiritual journeys and encouraging communities to foster love, acceptance, and understanding. By addressing the challenges of spiritual awakening, my art strives to create a sense of unity, providing a space for people like me to find solace and strength within a supportive community.

As I chisel away at the wood, I symbolically delve deep into myself, accepting my roots and finding stability and strength in my faith. Through this intricate process, I embrace the complexity of spirit, compelling viewers to reflect upon their own spiritual journeys and join me in envisioning a future where diversity is celebrated, and love and understanding prevail. Together, we can pave a path towards a brighter future, where spirituality transcends divisions and transforms into a unifying force that uplifts and guides us all.

Wood