I believe that sculpture should be interactive. As a medium, it is one of the few that allows for a full sensory engagement, with touch being one of the key drivers for interaction and action. My sculptures are grounded in this belief and consistently embody three essential elements:

Human Forms:

The human figure is the closest and most common form we engage with. It is prominent, recognizable, and deeply tied to shared human experiences. By incorporating my own form into these sculptures, I establish a dialogue between my personal identity and the universal aspects of human connection. The tactile quality of the human forms encourages viewers to physically connect with the work, bridging the gap between observer and participant. This interplay invites viewers to see their own reflections within the forms and explore the boundaries of individuality and collectivity.

Cubes:

The presence of cubes of various sizes represents the built environment—the spaces we inhabit and the objects we create, acting as abstract representations of various ideas that can be inscribed onto their six sides. These geometric forms serve as a visual and conceptual counterpoint to the organic fluidity of the human body. The textured surfaces of the cubes and tangible presence invite hands-on engagement, reminding viewers of the structures that shape our lives, both literally and metaphorically, and provoking contemplation and the balance between human nature and human-made environments.

Interactivity:

My sculptures are designed to foster participation and interaction, creating a dynamic relationship between the sculptures, the cubes, and the viewer. Interaction transforms the work from static objects to immersive experiences, where viewers actively engage through touch and movement. The tactile engagement with both the forms and the cubes underscores the interconnectedness of human relationships, the objects we create and the spaces in which we inhabit, the built environment and the vernacular of each environment.
 

By integrating these elements, my sculptures seek to dissolve the boundaries between art and audience. They invite a tactile, emotional, and intellectual dialogue, transforming the act of viewing into an act of action and connection. Through touch, movement, and reflection, they challenge us to reconsider our roles within the spaces we inhabit and the relationships we build.

- Katlego Tshuma