Tswelonala, the Sotho word for “the time of harvest”, is the title of an exhibition of paintings and sculptures by 26-year-old up-and-coming artist, Vincent Tshulupi.

Born in Mount Frere in the Eastern Cape, Tshulupi discovered his artistic flair while at the Mariazell Mission School in Matatiele. Like so many other boys, Tshulupi developed a strong interest in modelling cows out of river clay and making wire cars.

When his family moved to Durban, he soon enrolled in Saturday morning art classes at the Durban Art Gallery under the guidance of teacher Pat Khoza. He then joined the African Art Centre classes held at the Technikon Natal. In 1995, Tshulupi joined the Community Arts Project, a project specialising in mural painting in and around Durban.

He has participated in a number of exhibitions in Johannesburg and Durban: (1995) Johannesburg; (1996) in Zibuyile Emasisweni at the BAT Centre; (1999) at the African Art Centre and in African Perfume at the BAT Centre; (2000) in Makabongwe Ophezulu at the African Art Centre. Tswelonala is his first solo exhibition. The exhibition runs until June 30.