Creatives Under Lockdown is a SABC News feature that focuses on issues affecting artists. This week, pen artist Zwelakhe Ngobes talks about using his talent to embrace African culture.
Self-taught pen artist Zwelakhe Ngobese says African people appreciate art. The 26-year-old from Duduza, East of Johannesburg, uses his social media platforms to share pieces inspired by different cultures in the continent. Ngobese says Africans need to be proud of their heritage.
“I do believe that African people appreciate art. It is only a matter of finding your audience. I believe that you have to find the right people who appreciate the specific type of art you create. As you may recognise that my artwork represents African culture, it exposes the beauty of African people.”
South Africa celebrates Heritage Month every September.
His favourite piece is entitled Umadala, depicting an old man smoking a pipe.
“This is my favourite art piece because that is where I discovered my true potential. The details in that art piece are just amazing, the skin texture, the pores, the pimples, everything.”
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Realistic Ballpoint Pen art?❤ #draw #drawingsketch #old #oldage #bicartmaster
Ngobese discovered his talent when he was 15. He started off using pencils and later on started using pens. The journey has not been without its challenges.
“Being a self-taught artist comes with a lot of challenges because you have to teach yourself things you have never done before, things at some point seem impossible to do without professional help. When I was still practising with pencils I never thought that one day I can actually create art using pens. But then I had to change my thinking, attitude and believe that if I put my mind to it, I can be one of the top artists in the country.”
One of Ngobese’s future dreams is to own an art studio.
“…and mentor young children where I am from, those that are interested in the arts; share knowledge and the experience that I have gained throughout the years.”
Below is the full interview with Zwelakhe Ngobese:
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