Atang Tshikare

Multimedia sculptor | Cape Town, South Africa

Bantu wisdom and storytelling

Atang is inspired by nature, indigenous knowledge and cultural dialogue
He opened his workshop in Cape Town in 2013
His works range from furniture pieces to contemporary art sculptures

Atang Tshikare is a mixed media artist who shares the legacies of Bantu culture through his work. “I see value where others see objects. I turn tools into bridges, spaces into rituals, and every project into a conversation about belonging, beauty and becoming,” he says. Having studied graphic design before moving into graffiti, surface design, furniture design and art, Atang learned skills in several African countries, each a master of their craft. In his studio today, he uses soil, bronze and woodwork to create handmade objects that convey a narrative. "What I love most about my craft is being able to reawaken, preserve and globalise Bantu philosophy and craftmanship through contemporary design and cultural storytelling," he explains. From ether to drawing, words to sculpture, or idea to audio, Atang's creative process has become his way of life. "The toughest part of my practice is dispelling myths about African creativity, skill and quality."

Interview

©Andrew Brauteseth

©Atang Tshikare

How did you first discover your craft?: It has always been there, but I really took notice when I saw mixed media sculptures at art exhibitions in the city galleries and museums of Cape Town in 2009. That is when I was drawn to this practice.
Do you master any specific techniques?: I specialise in woodwork, as it is the medium I practise most often and through which I explore a variety of tools and methods. I have also mastered the process of creation itself – allowing my mind to adapt to each challenge, to understand what I want to bring into being. This process pushes me beyond the limits of what I know, encouraging experimentation and guiding me toward solutions that feel authentic and true to my aesthetic.
What role does Bantu culture play in your works?: Bantu culture is more than a heritage for me, it is a philosophy expressed through spirituality, storytelling and cultural practices connected to nature, ancestors and even inanimate objects. In my work, each piece carries a name that draws from these sources. Every artwork becomes a vessel that holds stories, materials and meanings that reflect the essence of Bantu life.
How do collaborations with other artists influence your work?: I like engaging with other artists depending on their medium, skills and narrative. Working with a skilled and mindful creative who challenges my skills, perception and intellect helps me elevate my work.

Atang Tshikare is a master artisan: he began his career in 2013 and he started teaching in 2018