To My Younger Self

Using BKhz as a vessel for his newest exhibition, artist Banele Khoza reflects on turning 27

- JAMES NASH

Banele Khoza’s gallery and studio, BKhz, has allowed him to express himself more than ever before. Over the past 30 months, he has used it as a platform to explore a variety of narratives, both external and internal. His latest exhibition, ‘27’, uses it as a space of solace where Banele can speak his truths.

We talked to him about the role mentorship and community have played in his maturation as an artist and how he continues that practice through BKhz. Here, we explore the multifaceted nature of Banele’s gallery and studio, and the artist himself, who has experience in fashion, interior design and art, to understand what makes his work so unique.

You founded the BKhz studio in 2018, and it is a space that defies any singular definition, serving as a studio, gallery and creative hub. What prompted your multifaceted approach?

In 2018, I intended to open a gallery, but when you first establish one, you have to be open to the different narratives that could unfold within the space. That is why I did not want to define it immediately, allowing the space to shape itself instead of me saying what it is. Over the past 30 months, we have explored conversations happening in South Africa and abroad. I think when you define something as one thing, then it limits you. That is why, initially, it was very open-ended, and I think now, 30 months later, it is starting to take the shape of a gallery, but we are always open to different conversations happening in the space.

Has having a gallery of your own affected how you operate as an artist?