MUNTHE ART MONDAY: ZANELE MONTLE

Please introduce yourself and tell us about what you do.

My name is Zanele Montle, a young woman from Kwa-Zulu Natal but currently live and practice in Johannesburg. I’m a Visual Artist and an Art educator. I specialize in painting, and I use this medium to tell stories. My subject matter focuses on varies themes from belonging, home, culture, family and the black identity.

Zanele is wearing TWEEKIE jacket, TASHI skirt and TASHUMI shirt.

Can you name some other female (artist) that inspires you and explain why they do so?

There are a lot of amazing Visual Artists. I’ve enjoyed Mary Sibanda’s sculptures and Zoe Modiga’s (musician) storytelling in her music and as a performer.

Zanele is wearing TWEEKIE jacket, TASHI skirt and TASHUMI shirt.

What has been the most challenging aspect of being a woman in the arts?

I don’t think there has been a specific challenge that I have experienced in the Art world that fellow male artists have not. But it must be finding my own voice or signature. That has taken years to achieve but this is quite a common challenge with most creatives which can only be achieved over time with constantly creating.

Could you explain more about how being a woman has affected your career?

My experience has been great so far but was challenging in the beginning just like any career. What has helped is seeing female artists such as Mary Sibande living it out, this made it easier or possible to commit to being a Visual Artist. I have been lucky to work with great galleries that respect and support female Visual Artists.

What would you like people to notice in your artwork?

A sense of community, intimacy and a sense of home/belonging.

Zanele is wearing TASHUMI shirt.