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Mashudu Mambo
AN 18-YEAR-OLD man from Esigodini in Matabeleland South province popularly known as i2k Elilebrain has defied all odds and created a successful career as a collage artist.
Mandlenkosi Ndlela is a young visual artist registered under the National Arts Council who discovered his talent in art in 2018.
“I discovered my talent and passion for art in 2018 when l was enrolled at Solusi Adventist High school. In my high school days’, l was exceptional in Art. I was further motivated by my brother, Derrick Ndlela who is also an artist. I would watch him paint and make different gadgets using soft wire and l decided to imitate what he was doing,” said Ndlela.
Ndlela said his goal is to change stereotypes that are held by society on art which is usually viewed as a hobby rather than a craft.
“My goal as an artist is to use my talent to change a number of beliefs held by society who view art as a hobby rather than a craft. I also want to change a number of stereotypes held by European authors who view African art as a book with some missing pages,” he said.
Ndlela highlighted a number of struggles that are experienced by college artists.
“As an upcoming artist who was introducing an unfamiliar product, it was very hard at first to find potential customers as some may view the art as expensive without acknowledging the material and hard work that has been put in to develop the art work. Despite the challenges, l realised that art is a very rewarding field which requires consistency and determination in overcoming the obstacles,” he said.
Online Reporter