Young artist pleads for aid
A young self-taught artist from Nkomazi hopes to open the first blackowned art gallery in the province.
The 33-year-old Sifiso Sigudla of Jeppes Reef, near the borders of the Kingdom of eSwatini, took Facebook by storm over the weekend when he posted a portrait of the deputy president, David Mabuza.
Facebook users marvelled at his talent and assured him that he was destined for great heights.
In his post, Sigudla pleaded for help from Mabuza, stating that his children are starving as he no longer receives an income since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. He asked his followers to share the picture of the painting until it reaches Mabuza.
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Following his post, Sigudla said he received a great deal of positive feedback from people, commending him for his bravery and his good work.
“My dream is to own an art gallery that is well resourced and strategically situated in an urban area so I can create job opportunities for the youth and transfer skills to young and upcoming artists,” he said.
Sigudla told Mpumalanga News that his passion for art started during his years at primary school. It only grew
from there, and in 2013 he started painting at home and sold his artwork in the community.
In 2014, he entered the Absa L’Atelier Art Competition and made it to the top 100.
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He persevered and won the Vodacom Mural Art Competition in 2016. Sigudla is also proud to have sold one
of his art pieces to the service providers responsible for the interior decor of the newly built Mpumalanga High Court.
His artwork has been displayed at a number of events.
“I showcased my work at government institutions, including Mpumalanga Government Complex, Mbombela Civic Centre, Mbombela Stadium and Mbombela Art Gallery.
“All I need is a financial boost to take my work to the next level so I can teach my skills to the youth and help create job opportunities through art in these challenging times,” he said.
“It always pains me that many young people come to my home with excellent ideas, hoping that I might employ them only to find I don’t have the proper tools to help them.
My hope is to run a studio in my area and have a gallery somewhere in town,” he said. Sigudla, like many upcoming artists, has been hit hard by the outbreak of Covid-19.
“Since the outbreak of the virus, it has been difficult to market and exhibit my work.
There is no income to help me put food on the table,” he concluded.
