From waste to wonder

Thanks to humble plastic litter, Mbongeni Buthelezi’s journey as an artist has taken him from herding his father’s cattle in KwaZulu-Natal as a young boy, to the art space of Europe as an internationally renowned South African visual artist.

Buthelezi, 56, has been a pioneer in the field of utilising recycled plastic to create art. Buthelezi has been working on and developing a unique technique of art, making use of discarded plastics, melting them and then painting with them by using a heat gun. He has created a new form of art called “plastic painting”.

Since 2005 he has been a resident of Krugersdorp but is in the process of selling his property in Pine Acres to be closer to his studio in Booysens. He answered a few questions for the News.

• Where did you grow up and spend your youth?

I was born in KZN and moved to Springs (Kwa-Thema) in 1984.

• Out of what was your love of art born and when did you start creating art?

I grew up herding my father’s cattle and we played with clay, making small sculptures and straw baskets. Later I discovered that old newspapers mixed with a bit of flour could also do.

• Where in the world have you exhibited your art over the years?

My work has been exhibited in so many places across the world, including New York, Barbados and Germany.

• Your works are very unique as far as materials and process are concerned. Please explain a bit more?

I agree, my work is not only unique but completely different to what other artists are doing. I started experimenting with plastics in 1991 when recycling was not even fashionable, let alone making art from it.

• Why do you use waste plastics?

I simply want to raise awareness and create objects of beauty at the same time, not wasting the opportunity also to reflect on the challenges facing our society and the world at large.

• Does your concern for the environment play a big role in your art?

Indeed it does; I’m not only talking but I’m acting on it at the same time.

• What are the major themes of your work?

I believe an artist is like a mirror that reflects on challenges faced by society and tries to assist those members of our communities who might not understand certain sociopolitical issues affecting them.

• What are your greatest struggles as a 21st Century South African artist?

Artists need support and respect. The world cannot afford to exclude arts and culture as part of the social fibre. It connects people, raises awareness of issues, and entertains.

• What do the future for the SA art scene and young artists look like?

Perhaps I’m not the right person to make any judgments in that regard, but I honestly believe this country has a huge potential waiting to be unleashed. As I mentioned before, people should support artists, not only young but all artists of all ages, and all different genres and media. South African and African artists, in general, can match pound to pound with any other artists from anywhere else in the world. We do have the talent and we can never doubt ourselves.

• As an artist what would you like to see happen in our country? What saddens you? Angers you? Gives you hope? Gives you joy?

There’s no better time for all South Africans of all races, religious affiliations, beliefs, and political interests to come together and begin to face the serious challenges our country is facing today, which is mostly linked to service delivery. Untrustworthy politicians who have the nerve to steal from the poorest of the poor in this country make me angry. I am truly angered by the crafty level of corruption, both in public and private institutions, as well as the ugly face of racism. It’s not all gloom and doom though. I strongly believe one day we will turn the corner as a nation and realise how powerful we can become only if we can access our positive attitude and work on our failures.

• Except for art and creating, what else makes you tick?

I love sports and spending time with my family. I’m a very easy man and very simple. I travel quite a lot and I don’t usually go to restaurants but prefer more intimate spaces like enjoying a good time with family or my very, very small group of friends.

• What have you got up your sleeve for the near future?

I have been invited to take part in the Abu Dhabi Art Festival towards the end of the year. Currently, I am finalising a big commission from The University of Bayreuth in Germany for their Senate House. I have a few more projects that are about to be confirmed.

• Where can people view your art?

Anyone who wants to view my work can email me at mbongenibu@gmail.com or visit my social media pages. (Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mbongeni.buthelezi.98 / Instagram: mbongenibutheleziart)