Local artists paint Midrand red with colourful murals

In a world of visual arts, cousins Phathisani and Augustine Nkosi feel right at home.

The pair from Noordwyk and Kaalfontein, respectively, love art and hope to one day open an art shop to showcase their work. The cousins, who work with acrylics, watercolours and oils, have full-time jobs and only focus on their art over weekends.

Midrand Reporter met with them at Horizon Blue Day Care in Noordwyk where they painted some murals and characters on the walls around the school.

“We have been doing this for more than 10 years and hope to one day have a facility where we can teach young children to paint,” said Phathisani.

Augustine mentioned that they have also painted murals at Makeba Centre for Girls, Pink and Blue Day Care and other schools. “Parents have also approached us to paint cartoon characters on their children’s bedroom walls, such projects grow our business,” Augustine said.

The Nkosi cousins shared that most people find price of art quite expensive and as much as the public love their paintings, they face a challenge in selling many of them quickly.

“The problem with art is that no matter how good your work is, if your name is not well known, you can only sell so much,” they said.

The artists said they enjoyed offering free painting lessons at a school for Mandela Day last year. “We want to do the same this year, children enjoy such sessions as it allows them to explore their interests,” said Augustine.

Linda Ncube, manager of Horizon Blue Day Care said, “Children at the school love learning in an environment with great murals and characters.”

Details: 084 376 2910; phathisaninkosi@outlook.com