Tiisetso Mphuthi

BIOGRAPHY

Tiisetso Cliford Mphuthi is a multidisciplinary professional whose work spans software development, facilitation, small-scale farming, and visual art. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Pretoria in South Africa.
As a visual artist, Tiisetso works primarily with Litema, an ancient Basotho art form that dates back to the 1600s. Historically practiced predominantly by Basotho women, Litema functioned as a form of religious and symbolic expression. It was used to honor God (a higher power) and ancestors, as well as to communicate significant communal events such as births, weddings, and deaths.
Tiisetso has reinterpreted Litema within a contemporary and personal context. Having been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, he employs the repetitive and structured nature of Litema patterns as a therapeutic practice. His approach is informed by concepts from psychotextiles, a field within psychology that examines how repeating patterns can influence brain activity.
Through carefully designed alternating patterns, his work aims to support emotional regulation and mood improvement. In parallel with his visual practice, Tiisetso is exploring the translation of visual art into sound. This ongoing work involves mapping visual elements such as color, shape, and intensity to auditory parameters including pitch, volume, and rhythm, thereby creating cross-sensory artistic experiences.
Tiisetso has collaborated with the Fak’ugesi Festival (https://fakugesi.co.za/), where he presented work focused on visual art and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). He has also facilitated workshops at the Goethe-Institut South Africa (https://www.goethe.de/ins/za/en/index.html), combining textile-based pattern creation with technology-driven approaches. Through his interdisciplinary practice, Tiisetso continues to bridge traditional knowledge, contemporary technology, and personal well-being.

PUBLICATIONS