Go back where you come from by Sithabile Mlotshwa (2017)

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Description Mixed media drawing

Sithabile Mlotshwa, Arnhem
Member Since October 2017
Artist Statement Sithabile's work deals with issues of identity, belonging, narration and collective memory. She is interested in investigating complexities associated with place, taboos, traditions, as well as historical consciousness and representation in cross-cultural interaction. Her current work is focused on the institution and decay of society. She is particularly investigating "Traditions that matter” with the focus on "societal norms", "rituals", how societies remember and the role of narratives in institutional erosion. When I lived in Zimbabwe, my work then focused on human rights, women and their place in society. Migrating to the Netherlands brought about many challenges that created a huge shift in my work and subject. This led to me becoming the subject of investigation, aggravated by a search for belonging that came as a result of loss of place. This shift brought with it 2 projects that would influence my artistic practice, the project "Living in the Diaspora", which reflected the darkest point in my life and a major project entitled: "Footsteps of Change" – that led to my being exiled. The second project, a series of paintings and installation, chronicles oral history, national identity, and collective trauma. The paintings and installation are a total of 100 pieces that represent the birth of a nation. The thread that runs through all my work has to do with ownership in the sense of caring for and taking mutual responsibility. This refers to the present, our history and future, in place and culture.