Published 03 April 2025 in The Viewing Room Art Gallery
Thomas Masingi, a South African visual artist from Mokopane, Limpopo, is currently based in Pretoria, where he is pursuing a Master's in Visual Arts at UNISA. Working across mixed media, printmaking, photography, video, and digital art, his practice explores themes of black masculinity, mental health, and identity. His work delves into vulnerability, psychological struggles, and the tension between the self and its shadow. In this exhibition, Masingi’s photographs examine how internalized societal perceptions can awaken destructive tendencies, leading to harm both within and around us.
When you think of a sheep, which phrases, proverbs, or idioms come to mind? It can be said that there are numerous ways to interpret the title of the exhibition. What is also true is that the male figure has been conditioned to keep things that trouble him to himself, as speaking about them or crying is often seen as a sign of weakness.
In Sepedi, there is an idiom that goes, "Monna ke nku, o llela teng," which can be loosely translated as, "A man is a sheep; he cries silently." This exhibition focuses on the complexities of manhood and masculinity, as well as the roles men play in the lives of those around them. The themes explored in the exhibition include, but are not limited to, male fragility and vulnerability, toxic masculinity, misandry, mythology, love and relationships, fatherhood, religion, and politics. The exhibition seeks to encourage men to express their emotions, as silence can be a deadly weapon that ultimately harms both the man himself and his loved ones.
The curator deliberately omitted the second part of the idiom to make its interpretation as open-ended as possible. This omission is rooted in the fact that sheep are complex animals, known not only for their meat and wool but also for being social creatures. With this in mind, one can view a sheep as both a provider (meat) and a protector—one who brings warmth (wool). Furthermore, men are generally social, particularly in spaces where they feel appreciated.
Despite the title, the exhibition is not limited to issues faced by men; it also addresses broader challenges encountered by artists. The sheep can serve as a metaphor for the depressed, censored, or overlooked artist—hence, the black sheep.