Limpopo artist paid an international visit
Many artists spend days toiling in patience and determination for they believe in the worth of their craftsmanship. Pilato Bulala is one such talented artist
LIMPOPO- Many artists in the Vhembe district struggle to turn their art into a viable business.
Pilato Bulala is one such talented artist whose art is stuck in his gallery in the Zama-Zama section of Tshivhuyuni village.
A visit to his home-based gallery by art lovers from Holland on Wednesday last week revived his faith that he was not only creating his work to gather dust in his gallery.
The visit was arranged by Madi a Thavha, and gave Alex Theunissen, Linda Donken, Jilse Donken, Inge Donken and Roel Donken the chance to admire Bulala’s work.
“Pilato is a highly talented and skilful artist whose art is rooted in the context of post-Apartheid and new Africa. It is not easy to ignore an artist of his calibre.
“His art is unique in a way that every piece is rooted to a story and it has international appeal,” said Alex Theunissen.
Theunissen explained that if Bulala was to be given a space to exhibit his art at a international galleries, he would immediately gain international recognition. “It however has to begin at home. People from his area need to appreciate his art as well, because this man is a rare talent.”
Bulala collects discarded cans, iron and other related debris and turns them into art pieces.
“I am happy that a group of art lovers have visited me, I am enjoying a good time with them,” he said.
When he started as an artist, he had no space to store and exhibit his artifacts and figurines. However, he had a sister who let him use the front side of her yard as a display area. Pilato still does not have electricity at his home.
“I strongly believe that my world will soon open up and more people would stream into my gallery to view and buy my artifacts and figurines,” he concluded.
Bulala can be contacted at 072 343 1202.
