The truly gifted sculptor who uses an adhesive

South Africa is filled to the brim with exceptionally creative people who often draw international attention.

Local sculptor Tsepo Sekete grew up in Soweto but has been living in Krugersdorp for the past few years.

“Before I could speak I was already creating with my hands. I stopped in high school but found an interest in sculptures again when I was studying Accounting at UJ. Through classes in entrepreneurship and business I regained my love for it,” he said, adding that he started considering his sculptures as a business opportunity.

But what is it that sets his sculptures apart from many others? Tsepo uses Bostik Prestik, of all things. He moulds the rubber-like adhesive into a very rough shape of whatever figure he has in mind, and then by using matchsticks sharpened at one end he starts sculpting the figure and adding the finer details.

“One of the bigger sculptures took me eight months to complete, while for example the hand-size ones take me a minimum of three weeks to complete,” Tsepo explained. The Prestik he used for a sculpture of about 30cm he made recently cost him about R500.

Over the past five years, Tsepo has exhibited his artwork at multiple events, such as at an expo at UJ, an arts event hosted by hip hop artist Casper Nyovest where Tsepo presented Casper with a Prestik bust of himself, and a showcase event organised by the Black Motion music recording duo.

He was also recently invited to showcase his work in England, but is still looking into the opportunity.

Tsepo’s artwork can be viewed on his Instagram page sdzera1000_the_sculpturist.