Artist aims for people to find the beauty within themselves

Multidisciplinary artist Lesego Seoketsa is on a mission to inspire others to see the beauty in themselves and take confidence in their existence and identities.
The 26-year-old Springs resident has loved art since the moment she could hold a pen.
That childhood love of the arts led her to the arts as a full-time career.
She has a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion from LISOF.
Her practice consists of photography, collage, garment construction and painting, where she uses media, such as acrylic paint, oil paint and various digital interfaces.
Born in Kwa-Thema, her work focuses on the themes of identity politics, intersectionality in feminism and social systemic issues.
Growing up she looked up to musical artists, and her parents loved to sing in church and inspired her soundscape, and that translated into visual inspiration as well.

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“I looked up to church choirs and figures in my community, such as teachers, nurses and grandmothers,” said Seoketsa.
The inspiration for her work comes from the people she grew up seeing in her community, especially black women.
“I have experienced the love of older friends as a child who I regarded as my big sisters and brothers. Their style in fashion and adornment inspired how I express beauty in my portraits.
“Black women in the township and villages have always been a source of inspiration for me because they are simply beautiful in how they express their identities.
“My purpose is to affirm the beauty that black people possess. For decades we have been made to feel or believe that we are less-than, whereas the truth is that we are beautiful people and need to celebrate ourselves more,” said Seoketsa.
Almost all of Seoketsa’s work is inspired by her experiences as a young black woman.
A central theme in her work is identity politics.
“I reflect on issues such as colourism, code-switching, beauty and intersectional feminism.
“I wish to portray what black liberation looks like in the 21st century.
“Although we still have a long way to go, I think there are things we can do in the present to free ourselves from inherited trauma that comes with being black and South African.
“It can only begin by using and taking care of the resources that empower us such as education for us to change ourselves and thus our societies.
“We are living in difficult times, something we cannot ignore. However, it is important for us to encourage and remind each other of our potential and power.
“It is also important for us to share opportunities with each other so we can grow collectively,” said Seoketsa.
A particular genre of art she enjoys more than most is photography.
“I think it’s so magical how it captures time. I love that we can look at the progress of our journeys and lives visually, and photography affords us that opportunity.
“It helps us to capture our stories and have evidence for future generations about where they come from and what they can change or maintain,” said Seoketsa.
Her journey as an artist hasn’t been smooth sailing, as like many artists she has struggled to survive during Covid-19.

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“Unfortunately, the government has failed artists during these times. We have to rely on the private sector to assist us.
“I have taken it upon myself to no longer carry the anxiety of survival, but to research ways where we can find solutions because the show has to go on.
“We have communicated our needs to the government, and we won’t stop. However, our daily lives need to continue so we have to seek opportunities and help each other where we can during these times,” said Seoketsa.
One of the ways in which she has been helping fellow artists during the pandemic is through the Standard Bank’s Bank of Dreams campaign.
This is an initiative by the bank to help support artists.
People can send messages of encouragement to artists on the bank’s platform.
The more messages they receive, the more funds/support artists will receive.
“Supporting artists collectively impacts all of us in a positive way. They can also support me by purchasing my artwork. I also produce commissioned artworks,” said Seoketsa.
For more information, follow Seoketsa on Instagram @lesegoseoketsastudio.

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