Soweto’s self-taught artist bring portraits to life
His passion was ignited in 2021 when he illustrated a portrait South African award winning singer, Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, known by her stage name Makhadzi
Locals in Zone 3 cannot help but beam with smiles when they see portraits by self-taught illustrator, Tlangelani Terrence Ntuli (27).
ALSO READ: Online charity auction to secure African artists’ studios in Paris
Ntuli who comes across as a calm individual spends most of his time expressing his ideas and feelings through drawing.
According to him, he discovered his passion for drawing in 2009 when he was completing his matric at his home town in Limpopo, Elim.
He added that due to lack of motivation to pursue drawing as a career at that time, he shifted his attention from drawing and his passion was therefore ignited in August 2021 when he drew a portrait of South African award winning singer, Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, known by her stage name Makhadzi.
Although his drawing skills where not as good at the time, the illustration which he posted on his Facebook page was shared until it reached Makhadzi who then acknowledged it.
“That was motivation enough for me to pursue my career as an artist. That’s when I started to think of ways I can improve my drawings skills so that my illustrations can captivate people,” Ntuli said.
Unlike other privileged artists who get to enhance their talents by enrolling in school, Ntuli used various social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook to watch tutorials to help to improve his drawing.
ALSO READ: Gerard Sekoto: Trailblazer and quiet artistic dignitary
“From watching the tutorials, I could see and acknowledge the common mistakes that I did such as getting the facial features and shape wrong and I must say that the videos went a long way in helping me get everything right. They also helped when it comes to shading of the illustration.”
With this improved knowledge and skills, Ntuli is able to bring portraits to life only using graphite pencils, charcoal and paper.
Depending on the page size and complexity of the art work, his portraits can take up to three days to complete.
“I use drawing to help cope with the emotional battles I may encounter and my drawings depending on what I am feeling or going through at the time when I create the art piece.”
Ntuli calls on residents in the area to support his work by purchasing portraits and sponsor to assist him in purchasing materials as he aims to move forth with enhancing his talent.
ALSO READ: Get ready to celebrate rising local artists this November
“For someone like me who is driven by passion and earning a living through my work, getting support from locals means a lot.
“Some of my future plans are to build a studio for young people and teach them about art because if I face battles as a self-taught illustrator to get doors opened using my talent, I can only imagine the huddles other young people from the townships like me face as they navigate this industry to discover their skills.
Ntuli’s can be reached on 072 952 0638
Facebook page: @Blaq-Signature
