Collection: Isaac Sithole

Born and raised in Maputo, Mocambique, Isaac was introduced to the traditional technique of woodcarving by friends in his neighborhood when he was twelve years old.  In 1990, Isaac (aged 16) moved to South Africa with a friend and immediately linked up with other young artists in the community. Shortly after moving to Durban, Isaac joined the BAT Centre where he worked as a professional, full-time woodcarver. 

In 1992, Isaac was exposed to the technique of woodcut printing, a medium he continued to embrace. Isaac said it was his experience as a sculptor which advanced his affinity and love of working and experimenting with woodblock printing. In 1998, Isaac started exploring colour reduction in woodcut techniques, which entails cutting away at the woodblock each time a new colour is printed. 

Isaac exhibited at a number of galleries in South Africa and in Durban, including the Durban Art Gallery, the African Art Centre and the BAT Centre's Democratic Gallery.  His work is represented in numerous private and corporate collections including the Tatham Art Gallery, the Durban Art Gallery, and the Killie Campbell Museum. Isaac was also responsible for the artwork which adorns the central food court at the Liberty Midlands Mall in Pietermaritzburg. These murals are enlargements of his woodcut prints.

Sadly, one of KZN's most prolific artists, Sithole, passed away in 2012 at the young age of 38.