Bli kjent med: Thando Sikawuti

‍

What was it that made you start with photography?

I was gifted a camera that had been sitting on the shelf for a while. At some point, I picked it up and started taking pictures. Realised that I actually enjoyed taking pictures. This was my entry point into art.

‍

‍

What kind of art do you make?

In my practice, I currently find myself working with photography, video installation, and recently sculpture. The medium I choose is directed by the story I want to share.

When did you know that you wanted to become an artist?

If I remember correctly, I got convinced by one of the teachers at Oslo Fotokunstskole to apply to different art institutions. I decided to take a leap of faith, and I am very happy I made that decision.

‍

‍

What do you like best and least about being an artist?

What I like the most is sharing the things that I think about. They can be scenarios, thoughts & historical events. What I hate the most is being broke:)

‍

‍

Is there one photographer or an artist who has been especially influential to you?

There are quite a few photographers that I really like. Irvin Penn is one of my favourite old photographers, and so is Hiroshi Sugimoto. Another contemporary  artist who is influential at the moment is Hugh Hayden.

‍

‍

You are currently in the last year of BA studies at Kunstakademiet i Oslo. What advice do you have for others who want to educate themselves to become artists?

My simplest answer to that question is to know yourself. That is where the strength lies. Experimenting and playing are also a huge part of it for me.

‍
THANDO IS A FORMER STUDENT AT OSLO FOTOKUNSTSKOLE AND IS NOW IN HIS FINAL YEAR OF BA STUDIES AT THE ACADEMY OF FINE ART AT KHIO. SEE MORE OF THANDOS WORK AT @tsikawuti.