Local world record holder to exhibit in US
Also known as The Salt Artist, Maimela has once again pushed the envelope by setting a Guinness world record for a ground coffee mosaic.
Percy Maimela, a 34-year-old visual artist from Winterveld, Pretoria, is best known creating his artwork using salt.
Also known as The Salt Artist, Maimela has once again pushed the envelope by setting a Guinness world record for a ground coffee mosaic.
Maimela goes beyond the boundaries of traditional art as he constantly finds new ways to create unique works.
He began experimenting with different art mediums from 2014 and realised that he could create a niche by using materials that were not normally associated with art.
He said salt was not the only medium he used. He has also incorporated black ash, sugar, maize meal and sand.
But it seems the only one that struck a chord with lovers of his art was the salt, hence his nickname The Salt Artist.
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He said the idea of setting the record did not just spring up on him.
“I have always wanted to set or break a world record,” said Maimela.
To accomplish this was no easy feat. Late last year his dream was realised because of his collaboration with Sound Ideas Session under BrainFarm (PTY) LTD.
Maimela stated that the collaboration happened by chance. He had been commissioned to make a portrait of world-renowned producer, DJ Black coffee, using ground coffee.
“I was initially reluctant to take the job, because coffee was not my speciality,” said Maimela.
He said this had given him the idea to set a new Guinness world record for making a portrait with green unroasted to light brown coffee beans.
Photo: Chris Wessels
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Maimela mentioned that finding the specific beans was a rather difficult and drawn out task for the team, but it was worth the effort.
His choice of the medium was encouraged by the requirements that were set by Guinness for the specific record he was trying to set.
The criteria were that the mosaic should be a recognisable image, have minimum measurements of 25 square metres and have no empty spaces.
His record was officially announced in Sandton City on 12 September 2019 with the final image sitting at 25.96 square metres.
Maimela said being a world record holder has changed his approach to his business and career path.
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“The title has made it easier for me to communicate with my high profile clients, as I understand now that they recognise my work at a more established level.”
He said he is not only focused on international opportunities but on local ones too.
Maimela said he recently entered an art competition in Victoria Yards, and plans to collaborate with other industries.
“This will assist in conceptualising something bigger than the art, which will hopefully inspire people to find their inner artist,” said Maimela.
His unique way of making his artworks and setting the world record allowed Maimela to travel abroad and establish himself on the international art scene.
He is currently organising an exhibition in Virginia, United States.
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