Art takes Regents Park resident Joseph Somwe (20) to the US
In 2018 he launched his art company called Somwe Art with his partner, John Nkosi.
Art has taken young and promising local artist Joseph Somwe (20) to the United State of America.
Joseph was born and raised in Regents Park. This digital artist is now living in Chicago with his family. In 2018 he launched his art company called Somwe Art with his partner, John Nkosi.
“I’m proud to say we are now two years up and running. We started out as a small shop at the weekend market in Nasrec near Soweto. The company is now based in the United States.
“It all started with a dream and that dream became a reality. I just want to say to people to keep going and never give up on your dreams. You never know where it might take you. It might even take you overseas.
“It doesn’t matter what circumstance you are in, you can change it. You can overcome it through Jesus Christ. Africa will rise. I seek to inspire young black artists to dream, to hold on until and never give up. Because at the end of the day, it all pays off,” he said.
Joseph has been in America for a year now.
“I arrived in the United States in April last year. My parents were the ones who were at the forefront of everything, so it’s because of them that I’m in America,” noted Joseph.
He spent most of his life in Regents Park and attended WH Coetzer Primary School and then the Hill High School where he matriculated with three distinctions, one being in Visual Arts.
“I credit Ms Malatji and Thomas Botha for nurturing me as an artist. I also credit my local church in South Africa, Nova Vida, Pastor Abel and Uncle Sam.
“All these people invested in me as an artist and believed in me when I was in South Africa. Thank you to Southern COURIER for the exposure they gave me while I was in SA.
“To see our wonderful work, you can visit our website somweart.com. “We create authentic art with a purpose. I love Africa and I pray that many young creatives can express themselves in their art. I also hope that they never give up on their dream.
“They should keep their head up and keep hustling until they get what they want. I learnt all these lessons when I visited Hollywood, California.
“The art industry is a billion dollar industry in America, especially in California. However, if you’re an artist in Africa don’t lose hope. In the great words of Martin Luther King Jr, ‘you don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step’.”
Even though he is in America, Joseph said he still miss the South.
“I also miss the South African art industry landscape. It’s very contemporary that is growing rapidly.”
