Poem: shapeshifting eyes
Right from the onset
I sensed it.
No sunny disposition,
no lemony ease
no need to disguise
the smoldering tease
of shape-shifting eyes.
paired with a portion of an untitled painting by Mthuthuzeli "Sthu" Manaka from 2023, part of the group exhibition titled Footnotes, curated by Musa N. Nxumalo at Studio Nxumalo (located at Keyes Art Mile in Rosebank, Johannesburg). The exhibition ran from March 4 to March 31, 2023.
The work reflects Manaka's focus on the "human experience," often portraying subjects with a sense of dignity and soulfulness. His technique frequently involves the use of charcoal-like textures for the face paired with bold acrylic or oil highlights (such as the orange headwrap).
Artwork for contemplation only; a low-res copy of the original, unsuitable for commercial use, ©owner
Words & image ©ilinkcs (2026/01)
Shape shifting eyes
ALT=deets
#poetry #poem
#Weekly #Prompt #inkMine
#sunny #onset #shape #smoldering #lemony #ease
@inkmine.bsky.social