Pointillism – a painting technique elaborated from the impressionists in which dots of colour are juxtaposed on flat surfaces – has become something of a trademark style for Duma, who earned himself a top 10 finalist spot in the 2010 Absa L’Atelier art competition with a painting executed in this technique.

Inzalabantu features 22 works, seven of which feature Duma’s pointillism technique. Through the exhibition Duma uses familiar iconography such as the human figure and rural landscape in his narratives, serving as his analysis of the rural environment through the use of humour and satire; helping in the understanding of present social conditions. The use of these personal iconography and metaphors harvested from everyday life manifests a fine balance between fantasy and reality. His work is typified by his treatment of the surface, subject matter, composition and the use of space and colour, which collectively create touches of mystery and intrigue.

Absa Art and Museum Curator, Dr. Paul Bayliss, says, “Absa is proud to be able to give our young and emerging artists a platform to showcase their unique talent. South Africa has many talented artists that without such opportunities would struggle to showcase their rich talent both locally and abroad. We are excited to be able to host Sibusiso in the Absa Gallery.”

Duma developed a talent for drawing at an early age and was mentored by artist and musician, Trevor Makhoba – well known for his controversial and socially critical painting style – over a 10-year period from the time he was 16.

Although Duma soon developed his own unique style and technique, Makhoba’s early influence extracted from him his preoccupation with social and personal issues that have remained paramount throughout his artistic career. The dominance of the human figure – as seen in Inzalabantu – has become an essential vehicle for the stories he tells of his life and experiences.

Duma held his first solo exhibition at the Association of Visual Arts in Cape Town in 2008 and continues to exhibit his work at the African Art Centre in Durban and galleries in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

His work is represented in numerous private and public collections including the Durban Art Gallery, Tatham Art Gallery, the Killie Campbell Collection, the Bruce Campbell-Smith Collection in Cape Town and the Absa collection.

Inzalabantu runs at the Absa Gallery, located at 161 Main Street in Johannesburg, from Thursday, 6 September to Thursday, 27 September. Members of the public are requested to bring their ID books along for parking and entry purposes.