POLOKWANE – Portrait artist Myron (Jr) Betshanger from Westenburg describes his journey into art as “simple yet complex,” rooted in a need to express emotion.

Finding expression through art

Betshanger said his passion for art stems from what he calls, the freedom of experience.

“In hindsight, it was my inability to articulate what I was feeling, combined with my hobby of drawing, that got me started,” he said.

He explained that influences from people around him helped him realise that many share similar struggles, and that art became his way of communicating these emotions.

“My work conveys struggles and pain to others, making them aware of their own experiences. Once I understood that, I began improving my skills to highlight social and economic issues, as well as personal challenges,” he said.

Building skills through self-teaching

The time it takes to complete a piece varies depending on size, with an A2 drawing taking about two weeks and an A1 drawing up to a month.

“I aim to deepen the experience by highlighting strong features, capturing emotion and enhancing it through contrast,” he explained.

A self-taught artist, Betshanger began with nature drawings before moving into nude studies, which he describes as an expression of raw vulnerability.

“My first commission is where I fell in love with portraiture, and I’ve taught myself every skill I use today,” he said.

He identified consistency as his biggest challenge, “because my skills are constantly improving, my work doesn’t always stay consistent. I manage this by reminding myself not to experiment on commissioned pieces”.

Exploring identity and social issues

One of his most meaningful works is a portrait he completed in 2023. Though created before he reached his current skill level, the piece explored identity through self-portraiture using pencil and colour.

“It expressed the duality of being a combination of two races, cultures and beliefs. It helped me in my struggle to find my identity and changed how I see myself and others like me,” he said.

Betshanger added that social media allows him to stay informed about global social and economic issues, which often influence his work. “That’s when I feel the need to use art to bridge language and societal barriers,” he said.

Inspired by local visual artist SK Original, he encourages aspiring artists to focus on growth and self-discovery.

“Take your time, learn about yourself and your craft, then master them. To build something stable, you need a strong foundation,” he advised.

Preparing for Johannesburg exhibition

He said his work focuses on symbolic and conceptual portraiture that can either align with or challenge prevailing narratives.

Betshanger is currently preparing for an exhibition in Johannesburg in May, where he will showcase work under the theme of division and camaraderie between men and women. “The aim is to highlight similarities in experiences of abuse and mental anguish, and to bring awareness to the struggles of both genders,” he said.

He is seeking investors and contributions to complete the project and attend the exhibition.

Betshanger can be contacted via e-mail at dbetshanger@gmail.com or on 069 105 2857.