KwaThema – Multi-talented artist Thamie Mzamane’s work has been chosen by Lily School of Art and Craft to be an exhibitor at the OR Tambo Cultural Precinct in Benoni.
Mzamane lives in Kwa-Thema, and at his Brakpan workshop, he creates his art and manufactures educational toys, school supplies and functional household art, providing apprenticeships to emerging artisans.
“Being the son of exiled freedom fighters and growing up in many countries across the globe as a refugee, the varied influences I received from many nations and their people have shaped my art aesthetic, my views on life, my character and culminated in the person, artist, builder and manufacturer I am today,” he said.
He returned to South Africa after 1994.
Mzamane’s art is based on his belief that lines, colours and shapes create forms and bring to life stories that can be created on canvas.
He explained his art is a diary of his journey, and he is grateful to be coming full circle to exhibit in Ekurhuleni, the home of his childhood and his current residence.
Since its inception in 2006, award-winning businesswoman Lindiwe Mahlangu’s Lily School of Art and Craft has produced dozens of artists and crafters and worked with many more.
The entity headhunted Mzamane to exhibit.
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“My life’s experiences and talents have also been with the built environment space.
“I graduated with an architectural draughting technology diploma from Athens Technical College in the United States.
“I then worked on construction sites as an artisan for various companies, eventually owning a micro-entity that specialised in turnkey projects.
“Upon my return to South Africa, I worked for provincial governments in schools’ infrastructure delivery programmes.
“However, throughout my career, my art calling has remained strong, and I have continued to invest in it,” he said.
Mzamane also volunteers widely in the community and is the chairperson of Nomfundo Pre-School in Dunnottar, Nigel.
The exhibition will be on March 26 from 11:00.
Entrance is free.
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