SPONSORED | Malalane artist aims to uplift young talent
Zolani Makibi says his future plans include opening more galleries to help other artists sell their work and also opening schools to teach youngsters skills to work with their hands.
The Malalane-based Zolani Makibi finished second overall at the sixth edition of BIC’s flagship art competition, Art Master Africa.
Makibi was one of about 6 000 entrants in the competition from right across Africa and the Middle East. He won a cash prize of $1 500 (about R26 000) for his piece titled ‘Raised by the Community’. But who is Makibi and what inspired him and his art?
“I started to make art as a career when I was still a student in the Fuba School of Drama and Visual Arts in 2014. I drew portraits for people in public spaces in Johannesburg and later went to do the same thing in shopping mall stalls in East Rand,” Makibi said.
I have faced many challenges growing up and almost gave up, but they kept me going. Being a creative is very difficult and it requires patience, perseverance and dedication
“From 2018 to 2020, I went to study architecture and interior design at African Academy of Built Environment. At the beginning of 2021, I moved to Mpumalanga to train as an architectural draughtsman in Malalane, where I designed buildings and worked under a mentor who was a builder. In 2022, I came across a frame shop that I went to advertise my portrait business and would frame my clients portraits with them. However, when the owners of the frame shop relocated overseas, I saw the opportunity to take over the shop and renovate it into a gallery. I am currently the new owner of Art E Fact Gallery and Picture Framers.”
Makibi extended thanks to his partner, grandfather, uncle and aunt and the rest of his family for their contributions and believing in him throughout his journey. “It has been hard, and filled with ups and downs, disappointments and starting over many times. I have faced many challenges growing up and almost gave up, but they kept me going. Being a creative is very difficult and it requires patience, perseverance and dedication. All these without proper support and guidance can lead to failure to accomplish anything. My winning artwork titled ‘Raised by the Community’ pays homage to that.”
Makibi said he has many plans going forward. “My future plans are to create branches across South Africa starting in East Rand close to Daveyton where I was born and grew up, before moving to the Eastern Cape. The aim is to open a way for upcoming artists to showcase and sell their work without struggles, hold workshops with young talents and groom them to becoming the best version of themselves.
“In the long run, by God’s will, I am planning to open skills schools for people to learn various hand skills, for people to be able to work using their hands in this job scarce country. My experience in running a small business has been a very tough with more losses than wins. I have learned so much and I am still learning to this day. I am not perfect and I have many flaws, but I learn from them and keep moving.”
