Intraparadox

[In] this first installment of the Intraparadox interceptions for 2026, I talk to Mme Lerato Lodi ahead of her second exhibition at the South African State Theatre. In 2024, she installed her second solo exhibition there, Leruo, which, in hindsight, can be wrapped up as somber and melancholic.

Hindsight

Initially, in this conversation I touch base with the earlier exhibitions that Mme Lerato Lodi participated in over the past years such as The Genesis X Project (2019) Pretoria Art Museum, Morapedi – The One Who Prays (2021) North-West University Gallery, Crossroads / Tsela Tse Pedi (2024) The Viewing Room Gallery, Pula (2024) Munro Viewpoint Gallery and Leruo held at the South African State Theatre the Opera Marble Foyer in 2024. Our conversation goes on to focus on her point of departure in her art practice, which acknowledges her forebearers, particularly her grandmother, Mme Thalita Lodi and the importance of motherhood.

Compared to her earlier work, particularly in exhibitions such as Morapedi – The One Who Prays (2021) and Pula (2024), a glimpse of what Lebone is preoccupied with via media release reassures us that there seems to be an opening towards colour in her palette. Although it remains unclear whether text as a device will make its appearance. Over the years, text has brought about synergy between image and connotation in Lodi’s work.

It is quite pleasant to see the flowering of her subject matter into colour in a work such as Flowers for Thalita Lodi (2026). And it is befitting to recall a remark made during the podcast, in which she asserts that, after going through difficulties in life, there will be celebratory moments we have to acknowledge as part of our life’s journey as well. Lebone, in search of light, opens officially on 07 March at 12:00 pm and will be on until 31 March.

Late summer

27 February

© Mmutle Arthur Kgokong, 2026

Reference credits

*Photo credit, artwork: Flowers for Thalita Lodi. Lerato Lodi

**The audio version of this interview, encountered in version.AmbientMix remains the property of Mmutle Arthur Kgokong except where his name appears alongside that of a featured artist/s or guest in the reference citation.

++ A special thanks to Mme Lerato Lodi for availing herself for the interview ahead of Lebone’s official opening at the South African State Theatre on 07 March 2026.

To reference this audio documentation, please cite:

Kgokong, M.A. 2026. Intraparadox, interview with Lerato Lodi. Lebone, in search of light. Pretoria Art Museum. 20 February. Mmutleak.com-Intraparadox.