A love for drawing from a young age is what sparked a passion for art in visual artist and creative Naledi Modupi. Modupi’s work was featured in the USURPA Gallery’s The New Medium group exhibition in Riviera which opened on May 4.
For as long as she can remember, Modupi has always had a passion for creating beautiful things. Whether it’s through painting, drawing, or any other form of art, Modupi loves the process of bringing her imagination to life. “I believe that art has the ability to inspire, uplift, and bring people together, and I feel so lucky to be able to play a small part in that,” said Modupi.
For Modupi, art has always been her passion, ever since primary school. “I remember the pride I felt when my classmates would ask me to draw for them. There was always something so fulfilling about bringing an image to life on paper, of being able to express myself through art. I think from this young age, I knew that I wanted to pursue my love for art and make it a part of my life forever,” she described.
In her definition of fine art, Modupi believes it’s about intention, communication and connection. To her, fine art is the process of pouring one’s heart and soul into creating something that can touch another person’s soul. “I think it’s a form of expression that transcends language and speaks to our human experience on a deeper level.”
Modupi’s current body of work on exhibition is one that is deeply personal and poignant to her. Titled ‘More Women in Colour’, this series is an exploration of the diverse and unique stories of black women. With each piece, Modupi seeks to showcase the beauty and power of black women, while giving voice to their stories in a way that is both honest and inspiring.
With her art, Modupi wants to evoke a sense of confidence, joy, and happiness in those who view it. “It’s important to me that my art is bold, vibrant, and full of colour -these are the things that make it truly engaging. My work is meant to be a celebration of people and life and all its richness, and I hope that every person who engages with it feels that sense of joy,” said the visual artist.
The biggest challenge for Modupi, at the moment, is not having any formal tertiary education in fine art. She expressed that this often leaves her feeling isolated, alone, and limited in terms of skills and knowledge. Modupi said, “With little formal training, I often have to seek out help from others or face failures because I lack the necessary proficiency required for certain artistic journeys.”
Filler: Share your youth initiatives with us by email to naidines@caxton.co.za
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