POLOKWANE – These are the words of Gabriel Nedy (33) an artist and a Zimbabwean national who resides in the city.
“In Gr 5. my teacher was the one who recognised my talent at first and she encouraged and guided me in the right direction. My family supported my dream to become an artist, even though they could not assist me financially to pursue my dreams, they were always there for me,” he remembers. After completing high school, Gabriel attended a college in Zimbabwe where he completed a three-year course in fine arts.
It was after he completed his studies that he decided to move to South Africa to pursue his dream of becoming an artist.
“Shortly after I completed my studies, I was approached by a man from South Africa who needed an artists to help him in the period leading up to the 2010 soccer world cup. I decided I was ready to make a change and I wanted to invest in my career as an artist and develop my skills.”
Gabriel says the thought of working as an artist full time and being in a new country thrilled him. In 2013 however, Gabriel parted ways with the man who brought him to the country and ventured on his own, a move he says he will never regret.
“Most of my artworks are things that affect people because I want to speak to people through my art,” he explains.
One of his most memorable works of art was the portrait he did of the late Nelson Mandela which he sold for R8 000.
Gabriel’s future plans not only involve owning his own gallery, but teaching art as well. “I want to own my own gallery one day but more than that I want to own my own school of arts where I can teach young children and help them hone their talents.”
According to him, Limpopo is still lagging behind when it comes to art but he hopes this will change in the future. If readers want to view his art, they can visit his Facebook page, Art By Gabriel Nedy, or contact him on 076 754 2148.
