In conversation with Samurai Farai, ahead of his first-ever solo show

Conversing with artists is always interesting. Their way of abstracting the world - through whatever chosen medium - in their pursuit of the creation of ‘art’ is often only one unusual element of their existence. After all, being an artist is a way of being, and not merely
something one engages in whenever they feel ‘creative’.

We spoke to our friend and collaborator about a week before the opening night of his first solo show, which consists of more than 100 pieces in total - ranging from paint, to 2D and 3D print, through to hand carved stone sculptures and ceramics. His approach to this show rejects the idea of focusing on a single medium or a narrow artistic identity, as is more typical in the South African art scene. As he says, his art is an ‘amalgamation of mediums that reflects his hybridised modern African identity’ - something that was on full display at the event’s VIP opening, last night.

According to Farai, his vision was to curate an experience of stepping into a dimension that ‘supersedes the boundaries of typical art exhibitions in the country’, while also breaking down the barriers of art elitism by creating a space where people from all backgrounds can connect with his work. His aim is to make art that is ‘intentionally inclusive’ - accessible not only to an art-savvy audience but also to those who might otherwise feel like outsiders in gallery spaces.

His work is informed by a deep commitment to personal discipline and the values he’s derived as an athlete. “Physical strength is required to be creatively strong,” he says, reflecting on the connection between his athleticism and artistry and describing how the mental resilience he builds through athletic training directly feeds his artistic practice. The more nuanced lesson, that can only truly be learnt through experience, is that “you’re always capable of more than what you think you are.”

Another central theme in Farai’s journey is his commitment to sobriety, a choice that, for him, serves as a path to artistic purity and enhanced creativity (something that may feel in contrast to the narrative of artists being inspired while under the influence). “I feel like I can achieve 20 times more in a 24-hour period than I ever was able to when I was getting high, or going out for drinks with friends.” In embracing sobriety, he has unlocked a level of productivity and creative clarity that has allowed him to produce what he considers some of his best work.

Influenced by creators like Vince Staples and Tyler The Creator, he now sees sobriety as a channel to his most authentic self-expression. And in terms of his art? Well, you’ll have to judge for yourself. However, having been fortunate enough to see this idea grow into what is now shown at Origin Art gallery, from the initial meeting in Farai’s studio a few months back, I know just how special this event is. It is uncommon for South African artists to present such a diverse range of work, in the way that Farai has done so with the ‘Masks of Modernity’, and it will come as no surprise if the show is referenced regularly in the future as a turning point in the way the country experiences this intangible thing us humans call ‘art’.