Please tell us a bit about yourself.
Well, I am a creative. Formal people would say, “A multidisciplinary artist”. I was born and raised in a very large community or rural area, Umbumbulu, which is bordered by both townships and farming communities. As a very handsy and creative child born in this religious and culture-rich area who went to South African government schools, also advantaged enough to have been born by culture-exposed and believing parents, leaders of the commune and cultural activities (Ubaba enguM’didiyeli weSilo, ngaphansi kwenkosi yakwaMakhanya). Considering the vanishing of true culture in the world at large, especially in the Zulu nation, my work aims to highlight these activities in both historical and contemporary times while keeping in mind the social and common daily issues within the black communities. In this process, I am noting the positive and negative impacts, especially towards the free-thinking youth, us, while documenting my personal life as a creative black young man from this disadvantaged area. I have this burning passion for blending visual storytelling with abstract ideas.
Take us back to when your interest in art began and how you got involved in art.
I remember this very clearly. There was a brother, well he’s still alive, uSifundo Sithole, he used to have multiple files of pencil drawings filled with Wrestling and DBZ characters, I hadn’t even started grade 1 by then. We used to wait for him outside my house since his way home passed by us. We would rush to him and ask, “So which character did you draw today at school?”, and then go home to try and redraw whatever he had drawn. That was my very first introduction to art or drawing. Before I even stepped into grade 1, I knew how to draw, not even stick figures.
Fast forward to 2018, I’m at university, and there was this new quiet classmate uLindo who had transferred from another department, always wearing customized clothes, painted denim, backpacks, phone cases, etc. One day, we were both late for submission, we had our first chat there, laughing at each other and talking about his clothes, and then he showed me one of the paintings he was working on. That day after school, I went straight to the art supply shop and bought my first canvas and some paint. That was the birth of my first-ever painting. After then, I never looked back.
2020, after Covid hit, that was an opportunity for me. I was painting like a madman, learning, failing, DMing other artists, and asking all the questions related to art, some would respond, but most would not. I was having sleepless nights to multiple documentaries of all legendary creatives, the likes of Basquiat himself, Nelson Makamo, and more. I started visiting art galleries and exhibitions, just trying to be within the culture. Then, I met uMuholi by year-end, and I was exposed to a larger part of this world. Learning the other sides of it, how to differentiate between types of art, how to take care of your art, how to present it by telling an important story, etc.
What inspires you and what is the creative process behind creating your artwork?
The people sis… The people, and whatever reminds me of home. I am heavily drawn to energies. I am not a very social person, but whenever I feel the need for some therapy, I take public transport and head home, ezilalini. Whether I am there or on my way there, the people I meet in the streets, at the taxi ranks, or in the taxis/buses. The old lady who doesn’t know you, but just looks at you, gives you her money, and say, “Waze wamuhle mfana wami, awugijime ungithengele impuphu es’tolo (which means you are trustworthy)” Those are the people I memorize, whenever I get a moment, I sketch that interaction on my sketchbooks and paint them when I get to the studio. Now that I have a camera, it has become easy to capture and save those moments. I draw inspiration from many places of nature, music, human interactions, and even simple everyday moments. I find that emotions and inner states of mind play a big role in shaping my art. The other thing that plays a pivotal role in this whole thing, balancing the emotions with the painting process has to be music. Before I start anything, related to art or not, I have to blast those Jazz, Neo-soul, and Hip-Hop yams as loud as possible. My creative process often begins with a spark of an idea like I mentioned, or an emotion I want to express. Each artwork is a dialogue between myself, the materials, and the initial idea.
But most of my work is inspired by relationships and acquaintances who are the most influential people in my life and life in general, mostly those who are culture-driven. I pay attention to mostly non-visual creatives, I am heavily influenced by uScoop Makhathini’s and Black Coffee’s works. Just the way these people think of us and how they have managed to use disadvantages to their advantage.
How has your practice developed over the years?
Over time, my practice has become more deliberate and concept-driven. Early on, I was more focused on just knowing how to paint, and mastering technique, since I never been to any art school, but now I find myself exploring how to balance technique with meaning. I have also become more experimental with materials, and mediums. My themes have expanded as well, delving deeper into societal issues, personal reflections, and environmental consciousness. Now I know how to introduce a concept, sort of brief myself on an idea, conceptualize it, research about it, begin working on it, source for feedback and external opinions, and then conclude the idea.
What is your best piece to date?
Yo… that’s a hard one. It’s always hard to choose the "best" piece, but I’ll give you two that stand out. There is a piece I made back in 2021 titled “Jamengweni” because it is the painting that made my mother start looking at my decisions differently. The first time I heard her asking about my art. It was a breakthrough for me in terms of expressing elements of realism, and it holds a special place in my heart. But for me, there is a piece I made recently in 2023, entitled “Reverie Amidst The Sunflower Sanctuary.” It is just peaceful. I think this painting defines everything about me. The solitude, care, peace, etc. And because I also do not understand it, the only piece that still leaves me with questions.
Any fun projects that you are currently working on?
Haha, working with Art & Conversations. And yes, I do have two projects I am working on, but unfortunately, I cannot speak on them yet since they are still infants. Besides that, I am just doing a lot of research. It's exciting to push the boundaries of how art is experienced! With love, of course.
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