NOT only does he inspire creativity among thousands of students every year, but University of Zululand (Unizulu) Arts Lecturer, Mandla Mlotshwa, believes art is about communicating a deeper message.
He has brought his artistic vision to life at the Durban Art Gallery since Tuesday (until 31 May). The exhibition will showcase 20 of his original graffiti inspired artwork.
While many misunderstand his ‘deep’ art, Mlotshwa says he will never ‘dumb down’ his work for commercial success, or to achieve mass appeal.
He believes through art he can capture the contradictions present in everyday life.
Mlotshwa has spent most of his adult life teaching art in various institutions, including Ezakheni College of Education, FUBA Arts Centre and Transkei College.
‘I believe great artists are those who spend their time studying and learning new things,’ he said.
The University of Natal graduate has worked with the best in the field, including Sam Nhlengethwa, K Hassan and Sipho Siphamla.
During his lecturing years he was awarded the Ford Fellowship and studied for his Masters degree at the Illinois State University.
He also developed a passion for writing. It was his love for writing that encouraged him to publish his first booklet that traced the history of Zionist group, called Izikhova Ezimqindi.
He is currently working on a few writing projects, and has become a member of the Simanywa Lusiba Writers’ Guild.
