Unathi Mkonto

Unathi Mkontho’s installation AVOID was the result of a series of material experiments conducted by the artist during his residency at A4 Arts Foundation in Cape Town in 2018. Exploring ways of bringing his drawing practice into the third dimension, while concurrently manipulating these sculptural materials into wearable structures, Mkonto created an interactive intervention within the exhibition space. Made up of strips of velcro, participants were encouraged to re-configure the space by disconnecting and reconnecting wall mounted and hanging lines.

Now, in a new and different environment, AVOID is presented as part of the SITE series at the UNDERLINE show, which features installations that need to be negotiated, passed through or offer physical engagement within the rough and industrial context of the Museum of African Design.

Unathi Mkonto was born in Peddie, Eastern Cape and is now based in Cape Town. He studied architecture at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). He is a self-developed multidisciplinary artist who works between fashion and architecture.