The Call of Art: A response of an artist rebelling against the concept of making it.

The art journey and its beautiful expression in the richness of the moment.

As a young black male artist in South Africa, I remember growing up I have always been fascinated by the world of art, me, and my friends we would draw cartoon characters and it used to be so fun and joyful. Growing up, however, I have never wished to be an artist, I have never seen myself creative enough to be an artist though I was inspired by the vibrancy and beauties I was seeing around me. I have always been drawn to the creative expression that is so integral to our society. Like everyone who grows up in places like townships, you begin to take on the duties of knowing that one must opt for a life that will take you out of the struggles, and you begin also to understand that there are certain things that must be left behind, especially those that you perceive are not going to generate income in the near future.

With my love for art, I had to let that go, and I did, little did I realize what I was doing. In 2019, God gave me the best gift imaginable. It is 2023, and I am sharing my thoughts on what art is and why it is significant to the whole human species, because I was blessed with the gift of Art, gift of creating, and bestowed with the responsibility of being a creator. To inspire, to evoke happy thoughts, and to bring about positive change in my society by bringing light to the social issues arising.

I never thought I would ever study art. As a black boy, growing up in South Africa, it was somehow, compulsory to study anything that has mathematics, science, or accounting. Studying math and science in high school was a way for me to make it in life, as I have been told, because that is where the money is. But the world has changed, and it is constantly changing. As I grew older, and realizing my gift and my purpose in life I see now that there are tons of ways of making it, also recognising this notion of making and what it means can help in that regard. I hear now that if I am to make it in this 'survival-of-the-fittest' world, then it has to be through my art.

Reflecting back, I now know that maths and science is not the only way to make it in life. So, I rebelled against that notion, and I chose the call from Art. I know that this decision has come with a lot of uncertainty, especially from my family, and lot of being looked down upon by my community, and lot of doubt around my financial well-being. To some extent I understand where they coming from, however, I also know that they do not know what I know, and surely, they would not understand. As an artist, I am devoted to inspiring and showing the greatness of art, and so I inevitably take upon my shoulders the responsibility to show my friends, my family, my community and the world that one can make it through art. I choose to make it my responsibility because if you love something and it makes you happy, you want those who are closest to you to know it, feel it and want to share it with them, and that is what I am doing. Moreover, I am here to share the beauties and the importance of being an artist in this chaotic and distractive world.

Seeing how the world is becoming more and more unpleasant, and how this negatively propagated assimilation is affecting individuals to further perpetuate this disastrous way of living, art then becomes a fundamental tool in saving the human species from their ways of thinking, which are highly stupid at times!

art...has ability to connect us to God

Since the beginning of time, art has played a crucial role in human expression and innovation. It serves as a channel for our feelings, imagination, and spirituality, and as such, is a crucial part of our everyday existence. The significance of art in influencing our culture, society, and personal life is still important in the modern world. One of the essential benefits of art is that it has the ability to connect us to God, and it can be used as a spiritual practice, such as prayer or meditation, to achieve a deeper sense of inner peace.

Art is also a powerful tool for addressing sociopolitical themes. It may be used to generate discussion and promote awareness of social issues such as human rights, racial injustice, and environmental concerns. Art has the power to encourage convention on taboos in our modern world, challenge conventional way of thinking and doing things, and it can motivate action, making it an effective tool for social change.

Additionally, art has an influence on the self by allowing for self-expression and self-discovery. Making art may be therapeutic as it enables people to process their feelings, life, and thoughts. Since making and sharing art may be a way to find personal fulfilment and connect with others, it can also aid in a person's development of identity and purpose.

Lastly, art has a certain beauty that cuts through the barriers of language and culture. Art can be valued for its aesthetic worth alone or for its ability to communicate nuanced concepts and feelings.

Art has taught me to communicate my thoughts, feelings, and experiences to others, and with this power I am able to connect with people from all walks of life. It allowed me to develop my creative skills and explore new ideas, particularly to think critically and building a deeper understanding of the world around me and what I want to see in it.

In contemporary times, art is more important than ever, particularly as a South African artist. My mission is to help challenge the Eurocentric biases that have long dominated the art world, and to celebrate the diversity and richness of African art and culture, and to educate those how are interested in art and its vast wealth, in every aspect of life – emotional, mental, spiritual, and financial.

One of the things that I appreciate about art is that it allowed me to explore my own identity and world, and the world I can create for myself. Through my art, I have been able to connect with other artists and thinkers who share similar interests as mine and who are using their art to challenge the status quo and create positive change in our society. Another aspect of art is that I appreciate is the diversity of perspectives and experiences that are represented in the world of art. I have, and I am continuing to learn so much from the art community, and I feel that we all bring something unique and valuable to the world. It has also been exceptionally eye-opening for me, and I have come to appreciate the incredible diversity of artistic traditions and practices throughout the continent. I have learned about the ways in which art has been used to express political and social ideas, to connect with the divine, and to celebrate cultural heritage. And I have gained a deeper understanding of the complex ways in which art intersects with history, culture, and society.

In conclusion, art has been a beautiful experience for me. I believe that art has the power to bring people together, to inspire change, and to create a more just and fair society. I now believe that art is essential for anyone who wants to engage with the world in a meaningful way, and I am thrilled to continue exploring my own artistic practice and to contribute to the vibrant and diverse art scene in South Africa and the world, I am also excited to see where my own artistic journey will take me in the years to come.