Monare no one trick pony
KwaThema – Local artist Freddie Monare (33) says a lot still needs to be done for art to grow in the township.
Born and raised in KwaThema, the young man’s love of drawing and painting sparked from the early age of seven.
“I was fortunate enough to learn about art early in my childhood through a school development programme I was part of. And while my peers spent their Saturday playing on the streets, I spent mine at the Mzomsha Primary School, attending classes to help develop in my craft,” he says.
As years went by, Monare was eager to learn more than just drawing and painting, so he starting venturing into different forms of art, and that’s when he learnt how to design, print, and create sculptures.
“All this knowledge I acquired from locals legends such as Ace Sithole, who taught me what I know today.
“I am grateful to all the people who helped in my foundation, because it is through their teaching that I am the artist I am now,” he says.
The artist shares that through the years he has seen a lot of growth in his work.
He thrives working at the Bulithando Park or at home, where he can draw inspiration for his work from the township life, his surrounding and the African culture.
When asked what makes art so appealing to him, he says it is the fact that he can be creative at all times.
“At the moment I have not sold much of my work as I am busy marketing myself.
“Working in public spaces has helped as people are able to see me in action and request that I do things for them, while other creations are just from my own thoughts.
“Since my drawings are not selling much, as a self-employed person, I am surviving on printing T-shirts and designing company logos for locals,” he adds.
Monare expressed concern about the lack of support of art and artists in townships.
“Our people don’t buy our artwork and sadly some people still believe that what we are doing is not serious work.
“It is, therefore, such things that make support and transformation slow.
“My dream is to see tourists and locals supporting us as local artists, for us to unite and have regular workshops as artists.
“I also hope we can soon have a local gallery in the township, so art can survive, as this is our way of telling our stories,” he says.
