KHULULILE Ngobese is the fortieth artist to showcase his work on the Woza Moya Artists’ Wall and his work will be featured for the month of February.

The concept behind the Woza Moya Artists’ Wall and Artists’ Cards is to create and showcase artists’ work. Each month a different artist is paid to paint/sculpt a feature piece on a 1.1m x 1.1m wall panel which is displayed outside the Woza Moya Hillcrest Aids Centre shop.

Woza Moya is the economic empowerment project of the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust and assists the artist by marketing their work for the entire month. A greeting card is made of the painted wall panel and sold in their shops so the artists can earn an ongoing passive income.

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This has worked well with artists earning from R200 to R1000 a month from the sale of the cards. The Woza Moya Artists’ Wall thanked the 100% Foundation for coming on board for an ongoing sponsorship and making this monthly event. This month, the painting of Dr Gcina Mhlophe is on auction at https://www.wozamoya.co.za/auctions/

About the artist

Khululile is a talented 17-year-old visual artist based in KwaNgcolosi, Hillcrest. He is a matric learner at Kwabazothini High School. He began creating art when he was in Grade One, inspired by a classmate who drew the Ben 10 cartoon. As someone who often reflects deeply, he has found a perfect outlet in art, allowing his thoughts to flow and enabling him to express himself comfortably. He initially created art as a hobby until he encountered Wonderboy, a successful artist from KwaMashu, who opened his eyes to the possibilities of pursuing conceptual art as a career.

This, he said, inspired him to learn more about painting, where his true passion lies. He later received mentorship from Sakhile Mhlongo at Iso Leciko, an art programme focusing on portraits and the basics of painting.

His artworks explore themes of hope, aiming to uplift vulnerable souls. His Dr. Gcina Mhlophe artwork is crafted to celebrate her contributions as an icon.

“My primary goal is to add value to the art industry by creating meaningful works that can inspire and instigate change.”

He said his creative process manifests in various ways; it sometimes emerges as a feeling, whether through the music he listens to or the books he reads.

“I aspire to change the trajectory of art for the black community, as black individuals, particularly parents, often discourage their children from pursuing art, viewing it as ‘less than’.”

Shop opening times:

Woza Moya at the Hillcrest Aids Centre Trust, 26 Old Main Road, in Hillcrest, is open from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:00, and from 09:00 to 17:00 at the Woza Moya Windermere Centre. On Saturdays, the HACT shop is open from 08:00 to 14:00; and the Windermere Centre shop from 09:00 to 14:00.

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