Sculpting Life: The creative journey of a passionate artist

Pholile Hlongwane, an artist from Katlehong, has been making art for many years and recently won the Recycle, Reimagine Sculpting Competition, organised by the Mall of the South in February.

She walked away with R20 000 in prize money.

For this talented sculptor, inspiration comes from the world around her. Drawing from personal experiences, nature, and social issues, Pholile creates thought-provoking pieces that invite viewers to engage with her unique perspective.

The artist’s journey began at a young age, playing with clay and creating little creatures.

She later honed her skills at the Vaal University of Technology, where she obtained a degree in fine art.

“I grew up doing arts and crafts and went on to improve my skills and to learn about the art industry. I am a ceramist sculptor. When I was a child, I loved playing with clay. My artistic drive started from then,” said Pholile.

Her artistic milestones include participating in group exhibitions in Johannesburg, Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as being a finalist in the PPC Imaginarium Awards.

Working with clay and found objects, the artist incorporates elements that allow her to comment on social issues and portray the human experience through her art.

She balances creativity with technical skills through experimentation and embracing mistakes, which often lead to new ideas and techniques.

“I want to inspire and aid those upcoming and established artists, especially in Joburg South, as the area has been supporting me since the beginning. After winning the competition, I want to use the money to improve and promote art in the area. It can help build understanding of social issues and help people take themselves out of poverty,” outlined Pholile.

The artist hopes that viewers will engage with her sculptures on a personal level, connecting with her unique perspective on the world.