All systems go for Ekurhuleni Arts Exhibition in September

On Heritage Day, September 24, all roads will lead to the Ekurhuleni Arts Exhibition at the Vuka Darkie container mall near Klippoortje.

The anticipated art exhibition will be held in support of artists who have been affected by the pandemic. According to the organiser, Motsumi oa Mphirime, the author of A Prayer of a Black Man, ever since lockdown was instituted last year March, many artists have been left devastated.

“Artists have been continuing with their artistic work without any public exposure due to regulations; hence, the exhibition is set to expose their work as well as seek to invoke the hands-on approach to artists because it’s a tough time for them. Ready to see you at the Ekurhuleni Arts Exhibition, which will take place at the Vuka Darkie container mall near Klippoortje are Thabo Mdluli, Motsumi oa Mphirime and Percy Marule.

“This will be a great platform for the creatives to showcase their work, as well as to sell their products.” The event will also serve as a motivation for local artists to not only see it beneficial to promote their work in other towns but also in their own towns as well.

“On the day of the event, we hope to see members of the public coming out in numbers to embrace their local talent. All Covid-19 protocols will be adhered to. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the owner of Vuka Darkie, Paul, for allowing us to use his place,” said Mphirime.

Meanwhile, so far, 15 visual artists, including painters, sculptures, photographers, performing artists, poets, beer makers, bottle designers and self-publishing writers have been included in the line-up for the event. The Advertiser recently met up with two of the artists at NthabiGP events situated at the Vuka Darkie container mall to find out what the public can expect from them. Thabo Mdluli from Vosloorus said attendees can look forward to seeing 3D portraits at his stall and other exciting paintings.

Thabo Mdluli from Vosloorus holds some of the craft that will be on sale on the day of the exhibition on September 24.

The 34-year-old contemporary and fine artist said through his paintings, he portrays some of the phases that he went through in life while some of his inspirations are drawn from his surroundings.

“I use my paintings as a tool to inspire and educate the public. I also view my work as my second voice.”

Mdluli, who promotes his artistic business on social media, galleries, door doors and art markets, said the art exhibition will create a platform for him to expose his work and he is most looking forward to the sales.

Another artist who guests can support on the day is 27-year-old Percy Marule, who also lives in Vosloorus. Vosloorus resident Percy Marule who is one of the exhibitors on the day said he looks forward to networking and meeting new people on the day of the exhibition.

Marule, who is an all-rounder artist as he is a cartoonist, painter, graphic designer, sketch and graffiti artist, said he is looking forward to networking and meeting great-minded people on the day of the event. The 27-year-old who studied graphics at Jeppe College in 2013 and proceeded to Vega School of Brand Leadership said everything started at an early age where he would just take crayons and draw.

“Playing with crayons was just peaceful for me. While everything was going wrong around me I would seek comfort in drawing until I took my craft seriously.

Marule shared that he has done work for prominent people in the entertainment industry.