Painter dreams big

Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI
CHINHOYI-BASED painter, Joseph Svisva, reckons he is the new gem and is ready to make an impact in the sector.

Svisva, a fourth born in a family of eight, is a genius when it comes to painting and designing.

He told H-Metro he was inspired by renowned sculptor Bryan Mteki.

Svisva, who started his journey way back in Gwanda, while he was still in primary school, said it was high time visual artists were respected.

“l started art, I was 11-years-old when our class teacher gave us a free-drawing assignment and I drew the national Court of Arms.

“I became the best and the following day she gave me more time, more papers and I did more drawings, which she used to decorate our class room,” he said.

Svisva said he impressed his teacher who then took his drawings to the headmaster’s office for display.

“When I was in high school, my art teacher brought us a newspaper that had an article about Bryan Mteki.

“I saw his artwork and in that article, it has a statue of Mike Tyson, I also read that he did one sculpture for R. Kelly and that motivated me to venture into art.

“I’m good at painting and drawing cartoons such as those found in pre-schools. I do drawings, paintings and craft,” added Svisva.

However, Svisva bemoaned the lack of exposure as a major obstacle.

“If an artist can be properly marketed he or she can make a living through art.

“Actually, it’s one of the industries that can never die despite the economic situation,” said Svisva, who is dreaming big.

The unassuming talented painter said he was set to hold an exhibition in the capital.