Description
Khafulandi Dlamini is a deeply moving oil painting on A1 canvas, created by Sabelo Saart Mncwabe as part of his compelling series, Life Seasons. This piece pays tribute to a man the artist encountered during a meaningful time in his life—while assisting in the construction of homes for a rural community. It was around the warmth of the evening fire that Khafulandi, an elder with a weathered yet joyful presence, shared the journey of his life with the artist.
What drew Sabelo in was not only the content of Khafulandi’s stories, but the manner in which he shared them—filled with laughter, kindness, and insight despite the many hardships he had faced. His glowing, radiant smile forms the heart of the portrait, standing as a symbol of joy born from struggle. It reminds us that a joyful spirit is often forged through life’s deepest valleys.
The enlarged eye, painted with striking detail, signifies insight and wisdom. Khafulandi has seen much—his life marked by challenges—but it is precisely those challenges that gave him a rare perspective. The large eye is more than a physical feature; it holds spiritual meaning, representing a way of seeing that comes from deep experience and inner clarity.
The face is rendered in block-like sections, echoing the artist’s belief that life is like a puzzle. Each piece—each season, be it filled with hardship or celebration—fits together to form one’s bigger calling and purpose. The segmented technique is used not only for visual interest, but as a metaphor for the construction of identity through the layered seasons of life.
The colours in this oil painting breathe emotion into the work. Deep blues dominate the facial tones, symbolising sincerity, calm, and inner depth. Warm golds and yellows around the crown reflect enlightenment and hope, while earthy reds and browns speak to resilience, struggle, and a grounded life. The combination of these hues captures the full range of human experience—light and shadow, sorrow and joy, youth and wisdom—all woven into one remarkable life story.
Khafulandi Dlamini is more than just a portrait. It is a visual testament to survival, strength, and glowing wisdom. This oil painting stands as a tribute to those who have walked through hardship and still choose to radiate light. Through this work, Sabelo offers a gentle reminder: every season of life matters, and when brought together, they reveal the beauty of one’s true journey.
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