Alex gallery exposes children’s art talent

The exhibition provided young artists and schoolchildren with an opportunity to be nurtured by seasoned artists and, in the process, expose them to their own talent which they could use as a way out of poverty while also helping to attract art tourism and improve the local economy.

Children made drawings and were inspired by the diverse richness of African art and culture present in Alexandra.

Mandy Jacobson, of the foundation, said the artistic richness and history of Alex and other townships should be exposed and used for eco-tourism to improve social and economic conditions. “This is the only way to ensure township artists are not disillusioned as they struggle to break into the restrictive upmarket galleries to gain international exposure for their beautiful work,” Jacobson said.

Virginia Japika, a teacher from Ikage Primary School, commended the exhibition as an educational tool for children from foundation level. “As part of the curriculum, artwork helps children express themselves better in the learning process by exposing their emotional feelings and creativity. It’s a means of self-expression for those not gifted with speaking in class. The use of colour helps a teacher to identify emotions that require help for the child,” Japika said.

A local artist and mentor, Sicelo Khumalo, said art was one of the few available platforms to help children express their freedom of thought. “It’s not judgemental, helps break borders, boosts children’s morale and desire to excel, while exploring and discovering it as a talent and potential profession to use to better their lives in future,” he said.

The children tried their luck with different paint and drew flags. The school pupils said art helped them to express feelings of friendship, equality, peace, land, unity and the meaning of stars as they illuminate the universe.