The best out of garbage

Ricky Mandizvidza Entertainment Reporter
Takunda is an artist who mainly uses dumped papers, scrap metal, plastics and other “garbage” that people would no longer need in their homes to create what his imagination commands him.
What is even more interesting is that with paper, Takunda uses his brilliant imagination to come up with pieces that can compete with sophisticated brush work by many artists who mainly use paint and other expensive materials.

Billiat noted that the expenses incurred in procuring raw materials for painting had necessitated him to look for other alternatives and his innovativeness is also in tandem with the green gospel being preached nowadays.

“One of the major challenges which artists face is the procurement of raw materials and many fail to recover their capital if their pieces are not bought. In this regard, I have learnt to use readily dumped and other natural materials that are less expensive without compromising the product,” noted Billiat.

Born 24 years ago in Mbare, Billiat always enjoyed drawing like any other kid but his love for the arts came in 2010 when he realised that he had what it takes to actually build a career out of it.

Billiat revealed that his works are a depiction of society and reflections of everyday occurrences.

“My pieces are intended to send a particular message and in most instances, the Africans’ way of life. Basically I will be using my hands to communicate to the world,” said the artist.

The Mbare-based artist is currently a second year student at the National Gallery School of Visual Arts and Design. He has added a feather to his crest by attaining second position in the 2013 Auxillia Chimusoro World AIDS Day Challenge arts competition in addition to participating in several exhibitions including a 2013 “Green Shoots” exhibition at the National Gallery as well as the ongoing “Young Artists” showcase at the same venue.