A ceramic nod to African cultures
- Chuma gets his inspiration from South African village legacy traditions
- He perpetuates ancestral techniques such as smoke-firing, coiling and pinching
- His pieces feature signature, hand carved patterning and ridges
Chuma Maweni creates ceramic objects with the wheel throwing technique. "I prefer this technique, as it allows me to form large-scale works by putting together separate pieces," he explains. With a bachelor of technology in ceramic design from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Chuma contributed to community development by teaching ceramics to rural women in a poverty alleviation programme. He also taught his craft while working for the Light from Africa Foundation in Cape Town, and he is represented by the Southern Guild gallery today. "I hope people get a sense of peace and joy from my works," Chuma says. In addition to being exhibited in Design Miami, PAD London and Expo Chicago, his works are also showcased in the exhibition called Before Yesterday We Could Fly: An Afrofuturist Period Room in the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection in New York.
Discover his work
INTERVIEW
I was introduced to clay at an early age. While playing on riverbanks, I used to dig out clay to shape small animals. After high school, I wanted to study graphic design, but I discovered I was much more skilled in ceramics. My interest in this craft just kept growing.
I carry on ancestral techniques, such as smoke-firing, in which ceramic works are placed in a smoky fire to allow smoke to leave patterns on the surface. I also work with coiling and pinching, which are both universal and deeply rooted in Zulu and Xhosa cultures.
Some of my works are inspired by emblematic buildings, such as the infinity tower in Dubai or Zaha Hadid's designs. I use the curves and torsion of architecture to fuel my creativity. The zigzag patterns present in some of my ceramics are visual memories of traditional hut roofs from my childhood.
I hope for people to engage with my pieces. To encourage exchange and discussion, I created a table with carved glazed ceramic inspired by imbizo, which are community gatherings in South African villages. Most importantly, I hope my work evokes a sense of peace and joy in whoever sees it.
