Hlongwane’s vessels have a strong sculptural quality and are decidedly masculine - reminiscent of Zulu warriors. The title for this exhibition is taken from a Rastafarian song. “Stepping razors” refers to “stepping stones” and assists one in moving forward, but can also cut through obstacles if need be. “Stepping razors” signifies strength: the “sharpness” that allows someone to move ahead of the pack.

Whilst still a student, Hlongwane decided that his work would be exclusively African, inspired by various cultures from all over the African continent, and transformed into contemporary vessels by adapting traditional motifs into unique designs. Hlongwane did extensive research on product development of Zulu potters. His vessels, as with traditional Zulu pots, are hand-built and smoke fired with iron oxide. Traditional relief decorations are combined with carving and incising. Hlongwane honors the geometrical quality of African decorative elements, but combines it with spiky three-dimensional details that have become a personal trademark of his “sharp” artistic practice.

Artist’s Biography

Hlongwane was born of a Zulu mother and Sotho father in 1977 and raised in Reitz in the Eastern Free State. He is Muslim, his home language Zulu and he was educated in Sotho up to matric. He studied at Bloefontein Technical College for one year and then completed a National Diploma in Ceramic Design at the Free State Technikon. During 2002 he spent two months at Rorke’s Drift to research the traditional patterns of Zulu pots. Hlongwane is a lecturer in Art & Design at the College of Cape Town. He has participated in various group shows in the Free State and has recently had a solo exhibition at Artb Gallery in Bellville.