Talent and hard work has earned a young fine artist from Butterworth a crack at the lucrative foreign market when he exhibits in France later this year.
Simphiwe Mbunyuza, a Walter Sisulu University BTech Fine Art graduate, said that from August 4 until September 30 he would be displaying 15 of his ceramics at an expo in Galerie Irene Hamilton in Vallauris, France.
Mbunyuza said that after graduating in 2015 he moved to Cape Town to establish himself as a full-time artist, where he has been introducing his work to various galleries in Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
“Social networking has played and is playing a very big role in getting my name out there as I got to know a lady called Nomaza Nongqunga, who runs an agency called Undiscovered Canvas as a director in France.
“So she saw my work and she got hold of me; then introduced my work to the gallery. They liked my work and proposed me to exhibit there,” said Mbunyuza.
The 28-year-old credited his former English teacher in primary school, as it was she who noticed his talent.
“So she formed a group of about six learners and taught us painting. She took us into competitions under LoveLife games in 2002, 2003 and 2004 where we stood for our school starting from district, regional, provincial up to national.
“And for all those I have certificates, awards and gold medals,” he said.
Mbunyuza said when he arrived at university he knew only the mediums of drawing and painting.
But when he was introduced to pottery he fell in love with clay (ceramics).
“My work is made up of clay built with hands. It comes out of passion, one piece different from the other, even though the shape might be the same, which makes it more unique and valuable.
“It is something that you can consider as an investment,” he said.
Hoping to establish himself as a local and international ceramicist, Mbunyuza said he intended to open a ceramic factory.
In the meantime he hoped to use his first international exhibition as a platform for more exposure. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
SA artist invited to display work in France
Simphiwe Mbunyuza, a Walter Sisulu University BTech Fine Art graduate, said that from August 4 until September 30 he would be displaying 15 of his ceramics at an expo in Galerie Irene Hamilton in Vallauris, France.
Mbunyuza said that after graduating in 2015 he moved to Cape Town to establish himself as a full-time artist, where he has been introducing his work to various galleries in Cape Town, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
“Social networking has played and is playing a very big role in getting my name out there as I got to know a lady called Nomaza Nongqunga, who runs an agency called Undiscovered Canvas as a director in France.
“So she saw my work and she got hold of me; then introduced my work to the gallery. They liked my work and proposed me to exhibit there,” said Mbunyuza.
The 28-year-old credited his former English teacher in primary school, as it was she who noticed his talent.
“So she formed a group of about six learners and taught us painting. She took us into competitions under LoveLife games in 2002, 2003 and 2004 where we stood for our school starting from district, regional, provincial up to national.
“And for all those I have certificates, awards and gold medals,” he said.
Mbunyuza said when he arrived at university he knew only the mediums of drawing and painting.
But when he was introduced to pottery he fell in love with clay (ceramics).
“My work is made up of clay built with hands. It comes out of passion, one piece different from the other, even though the shape might be the same, which makes it more unique and valuable.
“It is something that you can consider as an investment,” he said.
Hoping to establish himself as a local and international ceramicist, Mbunyuza said he intended to open a ceramic factory.
In the meantime he hoped to use his first international exhibition as a platform for more exposure. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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