Resilience tells the true and complicated story of Llewellyn Mnguni as a born-and-raised South African who dealt with the Setswana cultural dealings and restrictions in a fast-growing modern country, fresh out of the brutal era of apartheid. Being gay and an artist created obstacles, due to the influences of society whereby the identity of man is consistently under siege, misrepresented and always under scrutiny. Inevitably the stories of the LGBTQIA+ community in settings such as this, are not shared often. 

The work shines the light on people in the community who are different and don’t fit into the typical norms of society. It is based on facets of gender expression and cultural identity, tackling the issues whereby there is an ongoing phenomenon in which members of LGBTQIA+ community perish unnecessarily because of hate. 

SCAFFOLD caught up with Mnguni to find out more about Resilience.

SCAFFOLD: Can you touch on some of the specific stories you will be exploring or engaging with in the exhibition?

 Llewellyn Mnguni: I've had vivid experiences of being judged and mocked from primary school at the same time being made to feel as though my femininity would cause me not achieve academically and artistically. As well as my horrific experience of being beaten up by 5 guys for being gay or rather, looking like a woman. This affected me and still rings in my head as a changing moment of my life.

 S: Why have you chosen these specific collaborators for the project?

 LM: With Travys Owen, it has always been a goal to work with him, as I admire his style of photography and videography, I think he really has a unique artistic approach of expressing himself. Aux Alaio was a musician I found on Soundcloud, and used to listen to his EPs when I wake up and when I go to sleep, but there is also something about his music that resonates with my story. The BAM Collective fashion house is just doing something different and whimsical in the fashion industry I really admire, I've walked for them in South African Fashion Week and from then on we became each other's favourites.

S: In addition to the artistic statement, would you say coming together as artists, in light of the way the pandemic has affected the industry, is also a message of solidarity?

LM: I’m an artist who loves to collaborate with like-minded artists who understand my vision and carry it to another level, there is a great solidarity in that, especially when it comes to queer artists.

 Resilience will be performed at the Kalashnikovv Gallery in Braamfontein on 25 March (7pm) and 27 March (12pm). Tickets are limited to 50 per show and can be purchased here. 

Read more about Llewellyn Mnguni’s incredible life and career in this exclusive SCAFFOLD interview.