Phumelele Tshabalala
Bridging the Borders, 2019
Woodcut, Ed. of 30
11”x15”

For Raw World, I created Bridging the Borders; a two-color woodcut print, printed in black and red oil-based inks on white Fabriano paper. Each print has a central figure, with figures in motion in the background. This image reflects a scene I witnessed in one of my favorite spaces downtown LA. The process of creating this print began with compositional sketches collaged from photographs that I have taken, found imagery collected from newspapers, magazines and online.

Depicted in this print is an extremely talented saxophone player that I have encountered in the fashion district in DTLA. The clothes on his back and the saxophone are the only things this man owns. He joyfully plays this instrument for us as we pass by. Through his playing he builds a bridge between himself and us; introducing us to his world. This is a world or experience that I often contemplate as a hopeful immigrant encountering others like him in the streets, buses and trains. In this moment I witnessed us being transformed by his melodies. People like him courageously live their lives by robustly navigating the often-challenging raw experiences of their daily life, whether or not their earthly vessels allow them to or not. I am often challenged by their grit and strength. They teach me humility, they inspire me, and they are beautiful mirrors.

This work is created to honor them and to deliberately reflect on our times. I am committed and dedicated to going beyond mere formal questions of making art. In creating artworks, I aim straight at the heart of who I am? what is going on around me? And what can do or say to make a difference? I firmly believe in art that is not just an expression of individual satisfaction however a conceptually/technically belligerent and educative art for all.