Dreaming big, Thembeni artist aims for foreign shores

The wall opposite the La Montagne Hotel on the Ballito beachfront is decorated with eye-catching paintings by Simon Chidulen.

Armed with only his painting skills, the 32-year-old decided to leave his home country, Malawi, and look for greener pastures in South Africa.

Chidulen said he learnt to paint from his late brother who taught him while he was still in primary school.

“I used to accompany him whenever he was going to do his paintings and I was able to learn the basics. I then started doing my own paintings and I have never looked back,” said Chidulen.

He began taking his craft seriously when a friend living in South Africa told him he could make a living from his paintings here, much more so than in Malawi.

“He invited me to move in with him in Margate 14 years ago and I sold my paintings at the beach. I later moved to Durban and I was selling my art at North Beach until 2017 when I came to the Ballito Pro.”

He was helped by other vendors to apply for a spot to showcase his art.

Today he sells just enough to put bread on the table, but dreams about entering the international market – and foreign currency!

“I also wish to be in a gallery because I have some paintings that I could sell at a higher price from a gallery than on the street.”

Chidulen said he spends most of his time at his home in Thembeni, Groutville, doing portraits while a friend sells his art on the street.

“Mostly I make my money from commissions. People come with their pictures or pictures of their children and ask me to paint them.”
Contact Simon at 073 751 2729.