Lehlogonolo Mashaba uses the word “chaos” repeatedly to describe his creativity and process. This chaos manifests itself visually in the instances of darker, more saturated areas of mark-making which then explode into less dense areas of linework where there are areas that seem to breathe. Conceptually, Mashaba’s understanding of chaos alludes to his perceptions of spirituality, the natural world, as well as the realm of technology. Drawing inspiration from the chaotic interplay which gives rise to cellular generation as well as the forming of elements such as root systems, branches, and stems – these all become sources of inspiration when constructing his creations.

Mashaba uses sections of his line work that make up his figures to depict instances of movement. This can be understood in a similar vain to that of the manner in which fine lines illustrate movement in comic books and animation. Here line as an element is used to convey movement; this is despite his figures being presentations of static figures. This use of line is meant to serve as an allusion to the drama and chaos of unceasing change that is forever at play in the universe. Mashaba’s usage of line as an element continuously aims to steer the viewer back to his starting point of “chaos” as a driving force. Within these instances of suggested movement and reminders of chaos; we are presented with multiple instances of elements which are either breaking apart in explosions or integrating and fusing with other elements. It is evident how Mashaba’s use of line and mark-making has shifted and evolved by looking at the progression of his career: From a much more haphazard presentation of line which he used to create visual noise through layering, to a much more calculated at intentional approach to his linear mark-makings.