Limpopo artist brings SA political figures to Valdeiza
28-year-old Shadrack Hlungwani uses ceramic and cement to tell the history of our country and its people.
LIMPOPO – The 28-year-old Shadrack Hlungwani used to sit around and observe his older brother hew wood and turn it into pieces of art. He has now however created a museum at his home in Kwaaimani section of Valdezia.
“I do larger-than-life statues and use ceramic and cement to tell the history of our country and its people. Although I observed my brother work on his art, he did not teach me. I am a self-taught artist.”
He stated that he had a dream as a child to become a famous artist such as the late Jackson Hlungwani and Noria Mabasa. “Growing into a fully-skilled artist has not been an easy journey for me. My role models were internationally renowned masters of the craft and meant that I had to also produce art pieces of the highest merits.”
Shadrack won a local arts and culture competition hosted annually by the Valdezia community, some years ago and they motivated him to work harder and take his work seriously.
He has created the busts of celebrities and high-profile politicians such as the late Collins Chabane, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, Cassper Nyovest, Stanley Mathabatha and Jacob Zuma. “I have turned my yard into a museum. People marvel when they pass by the street. The scene in my yard is eye-catching so that one cannot easily ignore it.”
He is currently showing his latest work, Union Building. “People from all walks of life are welcome to visit me and have a view of the Union Building. The collection also includes some larger-than-life statues of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Nelson Mandela.”
Shadrack can be contacted at 076 787 5241.
