Jackson Hlungwani

Description

Hlungwani’s body of sculpture articulates his spiritual journey, his insights, and his world in three-dimensional form aiding him in his life’s mission as orator, teacher, healer, and visionary. The sculptures are evidence not only of a remarkable sustained artistic endeavour, but are also, by nature, sculptures that teach. Hlungwani created specific works for the two altars on the hilltop site that he called ‘New Jerusalem.’ These sculptures – as well as many others – expressed his immanent relationship with God, Christ and the Archangels Gabriel and Michael. His numinous world was then directed to his community in his teachings, and beyond, as he freely shared his vision of a new world order.

The publication explores the possible connection between Hlungwani’s work and early African Christianity established in Axum from the 4th century C.E., as well as the possible diffusion of religious thought down the eastern side of the continent. The influence on Hlungwani’s thought and work of an African-based Christianity, introduced into southern Africa by the Ethiopian Christian Church and the American Zionists, intimates the broad sources of his vision for an African Christianity – one that would create a New World of peace and harmony.

Many of his key works are reproduced and discussed in the book, sharing his idiosyncratic ideas, helping the reader to grasp the stature of the sculptor who created this range of poetic and awe-inspiring creations.