‍South African artist Mbongeni Buthelezi is good at using recycled materials in his art. By applying plastic and sugar as original material, the new exhibition, dubbed, "Sugar Tax," explores the nation’s proposed tax on artificially sweetened beverages and other sugared foodstuff. It also portrays members of his community going about their everyday life.

It has been seven years since Buthelezi’s last South African solo show. He now turns his attention to “Sugar Tax” which concentrates on the synergies and complexities of sugar and plastic. Buthelezi said that the main goal for this exhibition is to appeal to the public about balancing the relationship between what people consume and the environment. “Because at the end of the day, these things are the ones that are problematic, if they are not properly managed,” Buthelezi said. 

A piece of art design by Mbongeni Buthelezi

Buthelezi wanted this exhibition to tell stories about common people. As an artiest, “I can't fake anything,” Buthelezi said. He prefers telling stories about what’s happening in the neighborhood, and using images from people he knows. 

In his 26-year-long art career, Buthelezi has used plastic and a heat gun to create art. His canvases were built up by melted colorful plastics. By using discarded materials, Buthelezi aims to put them on a surface and create colorful art.