Where there’s smoke, there is Elpee
An innovative artist who uses smoke from a burning candle to draw figures and faces on pieces of paper is now exhibiting at the State Theatre.
An innovative artist – who uses smoke from a burning candle to draw figures and faces on pieces of paper is having an exhibition of his work at the State Theatre.
Called “ARTdiction” the exhibition features work by self-taught artist Elpee Anathi Nkanyuza.
Insert tweet:
#ARTDICTION #Visual #Arts #Exhibition by #AnathiElpee as part of our #Incubator Programme! 6 – 18 Feb 2018 – FREE ENTRY! pic.twitter.com/95trkuIpIc
— SA State Theatre (@sastatetheatre) February 4, 2018
Insert tweet:
[WATCH] Smoke Art with Anathi @Elpees_ArtGall Nkanyuza from Tsome in Eastern Cape, South Africa https://t.co/5QbcdXt1j6 via @YouTube
— Elpee™ Anathi Nkanyuza (@iamAN_Elpee) July 9, 2017
Simply known as Elpee, the 24-year-old Eastern Cape-born artist told Rekord that he loved using ideas and things that no other artist would think of.
“I don’t think like other artists do,” he said.
“I always think of better ways to do things when I am painting or drawing.”
Insert tweet:
I'll be doing something so BIG on the 18th of July, for 67 minutes campaign.
Thank you!!!
Regards Anathi ElPee Nkanyuza
— Elpee™ Anathi Nkanyuza (@iamAN_Elpee) July 16, 2014
Since discovering the use of smoke in art, his mindset has shifted.
“Before using smoke I used oil and pencils, but now I can see that I can do anything when I opened myself to other mediums and allowed myself to play around with my creativity.”
Elpee started drawing at a very young age after developing an interest in art in grade 1.
Over the years he has enjoyed helping his friends, classmates with their art at school.
“Growing up in a rural area like Mbulukweza in Tsomo, I would find different things to use such as clay, cardboard, cigarette filter, straws and candle smoke.”
Elpee has worked at MB studio community art gallery in the CBD and also exhibited his work in various parts of the country.
Insert tweet:
#ARTDICTION #Visual #Arts #Exhibition by #AnathiElpee as part of our #Incubator Programme! 6 – 18 Feb 2018 – FREE ENTRY! pic.twitter.com/sgdhEw3c7P
— SA State Theatre (@sastatetheatre) February 2, 2018
He also designs logos and art on T-shirts and caps and wants to open an art gallery with a training studio.
“If I can get can a bigger space, I’d be happy,” he said.
Insert tweet:
Art lives in our minds not in our hands, hands are more like disciples to Jesus – Anathi "Elpee"Nkanyuza
— Elpee's Art Gallery® (@Elpees_ArtGall) February 12, 2015
His latest exhibition, which started on Tuesday and runs up to 16 February, features a series of self-portraits that depict his talent for creating intriguing pieces using smoke as well as other mediums like charcoal and paint.
This exhibition is part of the incubation programme by the South Africa State Theatre under the department of arts and culture’s Mzansi golden economy programme.
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Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) aims to contribute to sustainable economic development and enhance job creation by preserving, protecting & developing South African arts, culture and heritage to sustain a socially cohesive and democratic nation. #ArtsCultureHeritage #OurWork pic.twitter.com/Md3Ck28u36
— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) February 5, 2018
The programme promotes emerging artists by showcasing their work at art galleries and other venues.
Elpee said he was grateful for the department’s support.
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