MuralMaker
When Simon was 15 years old he met ‘Mr Kapera’, a Mwanza street artist
‘I wake up at night, then start to outline the painting’
whose work greatly impressed him. The seasoned painter helped the young artist develop his ability to sketch with perspective and to apply colours. In 1983 Simon completed his O levels and undertook various jobs to make a living. He put his creativity to good use when he joined Mwanza Textiles in 1978. During his time with the company he had an opportunity to design some of the kanga material produced by Mwanza Textiles. The aspiring artist had found his true vocation. “At this point, I really felt ‘I have talent’ so I employed myself as a painter,” explains Simon. Simon began by selling oil paintings
is currently decorating the new wing
and wax batik work to curio shops.
the traditions of his tribe, the largest in
of Ryan’s Bay Hotel. “Three years ago I
Returning to Mwanza in 1985, he
Tanzania, are painted with careful attention
started producing wall paintings with
established a studio and sold his work to
to detail to ensure they accurately depict
acrylic for the rooms and communal
visitors to the nearby Sukuma Museum.
the culture of his ancestors.
areas,” he explains. “Now I am decorating
His decision to work as an artist was
the new building in the same style.”
reaffirmed as his paintings became ever
depicting stylised animals and figures,
more popular. “I was encouraged by a
Simon has begun experimenting with
artist, Simon is making a successful living
Yugoslavian visitor who bought many
fantasy art. Magical, mysterious and
as a commercial artist. He is concerned,
paintings,” he recalls. “I realised it was
mythical imagery are formed from his
however, that too few young creatives
possible to live by producing art.”
dreams. Simon explains: “I wake up at night,
from his region are following in his
After three decades working as an
then start to outline the painting.” Such
footsteps. “In Mwanza, there are few
work is especially popular with European
artists, as young people cannot see how
were tourists on their way to and from
collectors, while Tanzanian clients generally
Serengeti National Park, a few hours’
prefer his more ‘realistic’ work.
Sanaa cultural centre in Dar es Salaam also began selling his work.
© Simon Ndokeji
Simon’s next step was to open a shop at his home in Kiseso. His buyers
drive from Mwanza. The Nyumba ya
their talent can be turned into a business,” he says. “They don’t know how to sell their work.”
following
career
Simon has attracted an international
Accordingly, he wants to establish art
and thanks to Danish government
classes for students completing Standard
One interesting commission was from
sponsorship, he visited a cultural group
7 to help them learn both how to paint
the Tilapia Hotel in Mwanza. The owners
that shares his passion for Sukuma culture
were keen to have murals inspired by the
and has forged a close relationship with
natural world. Simon always retained a
the artist. During his time in Denmark he
with large commissions. It is hoped he
passion for depicting the flora and fauna
also visited schools and found widespread
will continue the family’s creativity. Simon
that surrounded him. Tanzania’s rich
interest in his work.
wildlife is reflected in his depictions of
Today, 80 per cent of his work is sold to
© Simon Ndokeji
following. At the invitation of a friend,
commission
and how to develop a career. Simon’s second son is now helping him
Art for arts sake?
is proud of his achievements. “My family
Above: A style all of his own
respect my work as they see it as a source
international customers. “Sometimes I sell
of income,” he says. “Even Mama Ndogo
direct, for example, when I visited Denmark
[his mother’s younger sister] in the village
the continent, he retains a fascination
in 2012,” says the artist, who represents
now realises this is my life and business.”
for his African heritage. “As a Sukuma, I
himself rather than using an agent.
large mammals and birdlife. Like many present-day artists across © Simon Ndokeji
In addition to his popular works
© Simon Ndokeji
paintings,” he explains. His work reflecting
learned my tribe’s history. Sometimes I depict traditional dress and stories in my
The Mwanza-based artist continues to be popular in his home region. He
For commissions and inquiries email: simonlusanandokeji@yahoo.com
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