A Gonubie law student who tapped into the arty side of his personality, has used 4000 mosaic pieces to create a massive artwork of Nelson Mandela.
Mandilakhe Koyana, 21, who enjoys gym and excelled in rugby and squash at Selborne College, but who had never been interested in art, “stumbled upon” mosaic classes a year ago.
His interest was triggered by an art display in a Gonubie shop window featuring a decoupaged image of Marilyn Monroe.
“I thought I could do that, so I signed up for lessons with Jenny Dustan, but the classes turned out to be in mosaicing.”
Koyana said making his first mosaic – a portrait of American technology entrepreneur Steve Jobs which doubles up as a clock – made the time fly.
“My life has always been the black and white of books and sports, so it was nice to focus on something else.”
Koyana, who lives with his lawyer parents, said his fellow mosaic students were predominantly middle-aged women, who encouraged his interest in his new hobby.
“At gym people laughed at me and everyone who knows me is very surprised I do mosaicing, but I love it. I’m an impatient person and it’s teaching me patience.”
Koyana’s second piece was a metre-high portrait of Brazilian professional football player Neymar Jnr.
“I’m a perfectionist and can only do perfect work if someone inspires me, so I chose Nelson Mandela for my latest piece.
“My father, Digby Sqhelo Koyana, has met him and with him being an icon, I thought I would go big.”
He started the piece depicting the smiling face of the former president against a South African flag backdrop two months ago, working up to five hours a day. He finished it last week, just in time for the anniversary of his death on December 5.
Made up of small square mosaic and glass tiles, most of which had to be sliced into shape, the portrait displays Koyana’s eye for blending colour to create a textured 3D depiction of Mandela’s gentle face.
And, although his proud mother Gwen Koyana has fallen in love with it, he would like to see what he can get for the piece. “I can always make my mom another one.”
lFor a video, visit the Daily Dispatch’s YouTube channel. You can also watch the video by scanning the picture with the Aurasma app on your phone. For Apple iOS phones, you can find the app in the Apple Store, and for Android phones you can find it in the Play Store. Both apps are free.
Massive mosaic fit for an icon
Mandilakhe Koyana, 21, who enjoys gym and excelled in rugby and squash at Selborne College, but who had never been interested in art, “stumbled upon” mosaic classes a year ago.
His interest was triggered by an art display in a Gonubie shop window featuring a decoupaged image of Marilyn Monroe.
“I thought I could do that, so I signed up for lessons with Jenny Dustan, but the classes turned out to be in mosaicing.”
Koyana said making his first mosaic – a portrait of American technology entrepreneur Steve Jobs which doubles up as a clock – made the time fly.
“My life has always been the black and white of books and sports, so it was nice to focus on something else.”
Koyana, who lives with his lawyer parents, said his fellow mosaic students were predominantly middle-aged women, who encouraged his interest in his new hobby.
“At gym people laughed at me and everyone who knows me is very surprised I do mosaicing, but I love it. I’m an impatient person and it’s teaching me patience.”
Koyana’s second piece was a metre-high portrait of Brazilian professional football player Neymar Jnr.
“I’m a perfectionist and can only do perfect work if someone inspires me, so I chose Nelson Mandela for my latest piece.
“My father, Digby Sqhelo Koyana, has met him and with him being an icon, I thought I would go big.”
He started the piece depicting the smiling face of the former president against a South African flag backdrop two months ago, working up to five hours a day. He finished it last week, just in time for the anniversary of his death on December 5.
Made up of small square mosaic and glass tiles, most of which had to be sliced into shape, the portrait displays Koyana’s eye for blending colour to create a textured 3D depiction of Mandela’s gentle face.
And, although his proud mother Gwen Koyana has fallen in love with it, he would like to see what he can get for the piece. “I can always make my mom another one.”
lFor a video, visit the Daily Dispatch’s YouTube channel. You can also watch the video by scanning the picture with the Aurasma app on your phone. For Apple iOS phones, you can find the app in the Apple Store, and for Android phones you can find it in the Play Store. Both apps are free.
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