(b. 1986 Spring, South Africa)

Bambo Sibiya was born and raised in Kwa-Thema, Springs, near Johannesburg. He started his career at the Mbira School of music and art under guidance of the late Paul Madi Phala. 

After his training at the Mbira School of music and art, Sibiya attended the Benoni Technical College where he studied Fine Art, majoring in drawing and painting.  In 2007 he was introduced to the Artist Proof Studio by his old teacher, Paul Madi Phala. For the following three years he studied printmaking, focusing on linocut and etching, where he has also worked on large scale linocuts for several leading artists, including William Kentridge, Diane Victor, Norman Catherine and Colbert Mashile.

Sibiya’s work is influenced by general issues affecting women and children in his community. He questions the roles and contributions of men in the households. Men often leave their families in order to find work in the cities. Sibiya is commenting on how women have to take over the role of a man in their husbands’ absence. These women often struggle not only physically, but also emotionally to overcome traditional barriers.

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

2020

Slow Down Tiger, solo, Everard Read, Johannesburg, South Africa 

STILL, Everard Read online group exhibition, South Africa

The Portrait Show, group exhibition, Everard Read, Johannesburg, South Africa

Staring Straight to the Future, Everard Read online group exhibition, South Africa

2019

Freedom did not just come, solo, Everard Read, Johannesburg, South Africa

Umdlalo Wamaphepha, solo, Jack Bell Gallery, London, UK

2018

1:54 Art Fair, with Jack Bell Gallery, New York, USA

2017 

Ubuntu Ngabantu, solo, Jack Bell Gallery, London, UK

Tales of Migration,  solo exhibition, Red Room Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa

10th Print Triennial, Chamalières, France

2016

Douro Print Biennial, Portugal

Art Exchange: Querètaro, Galeria Municipal and Taller Tamayo, Oaxaca, Mexico

2015

7th International Lithographic Symposium, Tidaholm, Sweden

2013 

Khumbul Ekhaya (Home Sick), Gallery 2, Johannesburg, South Africa

Human Spirit,  ABSA Art Gallery, Johannesburg, South Africa