By Edzanii Nephalela
The arts can be seen as a reflection of their society, rather than driven by their society.
When the art works recently raised an enormous R48m in an auction by Strauss & Co, the 29-year-old Hammanskraal based artist was encouraged that the arts in the townships can also be taken to another level.
Philip Nhlanhla expresses how his undying love for art and the passing of his parents made him eager to use his skills to turn old newspapers into beautiful sculptures.
“I have always loved love art because it has a powerful way to express yourself. This is how I overcame the grief of losing both my parents,” Mr Nhlanhla explained.
Instead of turning into drugs and abusing alcohol for comfort, his eagerness to further his artistic endeavours led him to leave his hometown, Standerton in Mpumalanga to seek greener pastures in Pretoria. But, “greener pastures” were not as green as he had imagined when he got to the Jacaranda City.
“I started selling my art to locals, but since township people also struggle financially, my business did not go well because they think of bread and milk before buying sculptures,” said Mr Nhlanhla.
The artist who dropped out of school due to lack of funds explains how he turns trash into riches:
I soak newspapers in water until they forma mud-like texture. It usually takes a few hours. Instantaneously I soak sunlight soap until it turns into slime. I then mix both newspaper and soap to sculpt what I desire with a teaspoon.
Once finished, the passionate artist leaves it for a week before painting.
“If I had an oven, it would speed up the drying process. I wish I had a platform to also showcase my hand crafts,” concluded Mr Nhlanhla.
Arts make us what we are and help us voice out our opinions and views so, we should support these artists. Support does not only mean financially, but with information that will help equip and better themselves and continue showcasing their talents.
