‘One man’s trash’ is Phumlani Madela’s treasure
As a dumpsite resident, Phumlani gives new meaning to the phrase about one man's trash being another man's treasure... literally.
FRENCH Impressionist, Edgar DeGas once said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see…”
Phumlani Madela is a local artist keen on creating art for the world to see. He has spent his whole life painting, sculpting and crafting with whatever materials he can find. As a dumpsite resident, Phumlani gives new meaning to the phrase about one man’s trash being another man’s treasure… literally.
Although Phumlani is currently unemployed, he tries to spend his time constructively and, aside from several paintings and portraits, including one of Ward 8 Councillor, Magda Viktor, one of his recent projects includes breathing new life into the dumpsite crèche, by decorating the entire building with a colourful mural. Well, almost the entire building. Before he could complete the project, he ran out of materials. However, despite this setback, he still managed to create some pleasing artwork for the children who attend the crèche to enjoy.
The colourful building stands out against the otherwise lacklustre backdrop of browns and greys that make up the rest of the village on the outskirts of the Vryheid dumpsite, but will remain incomplete until Phumlani is able to source materials to complete the mural.
Anyone who can assist this hopeful young artist can contact him on 060 376 0824.
