Anthony Sandile Mhlongo (Ashar),South
African, Xhosa. Ashar was born in Langa near Cape Town, He grew up in
Gugulethu, where from a very young age his interest in art propelled him
forward to where he is today.
Having studied in 1996 through Community Arts Project (CAP) in Woodstock,
Cape Town, he further developed his foundation within the arts. Ashar,
has since, maintained his commitment and belief in his work, determined
to practice it everyday.
Ashar tackles the issues of our society and the effect it has on our
children. However, he certainly doesn't paint a gloomy picture. His works
are bright and full of life -expressive of the landscape, illustrating
the daily experiences of the people around him.
Biography
Attended Mseki Primary School in Cape Town and a Secondary School in
the Sisckei in the years 1989 – 1993, returning Fezeka a high school
in NY2 in 1993.
Eric Mhlongo, Ashar’s father was an artist who made a living in
the bricklaying industry.
2003 -2005
Ashar participated in Community Arts Workshops
facilitated by Robert Robson at The Castle. He participated in group exhibitions
held by Truworths and several galleries including The Cape Gallery.
Asked what motivates him to paint Ashar mentions that he enjoys painting
settlements and landscape. More recently he has been looking at family
groups. He says:
“When I look. My mother is the one that raises the
children looking for better things for them. My father struggles to put
bread on the table. The children – they grow to be something tomorrow.
I wish my art can be seen all over the communities to expose the life
I live. I am working in the Castle for Joe Qhabi’s project –
making woodcuts, some mosaic work and welding a tree as part of a collaborative
project for the new station in Philippi ..”
More recently Ashar has painted small canvasses of the settlement areas,
objective observations with a good understanding of colour, perspective
and composition.
EXHIBITIONS
2012
Siyakubona, group exhibition at The Cape Gallery
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