Meet Lebogang Moabi aka ArtRon-Onee

Embark on a journey into the vibrant world of Lebogang Moabi, a South African artist whose deep connection to nature and unwavering dedication to his craft have shaped his remarkable artistic odyssey. From Jouberton, North West province, Lebogang's unique blend of organic materials and scientific elements creates thought-provoking works that transcend boundaries, inviting viewers to explore the beauty of the natural world and the boundless potential of human expression with each stroke of his brush

Lebogang, who is from Jouberton, knew from within that he is an artist He noticed the gift from a young age There was that significant moment when his first work was bought, which cemented and encouraged him to pursue art as a career He draws his inspiration from the natural world and daily realities When we asked him which institutions have been supporting him on his journey, he mentioned the Department of Arts, Sports, Culture, and Recreation (North West) and The B Gallery What Lebogang enjoys about being an artist is the freedom that comes with creativity However, he clarified that the industry has its own set of challenges The most difficult ones include keeping his head afloat in a saturated market, inconsistency of sales, and the price increase of materials To overcome them, he has learned to count his blessings and has formed a strategy to market his work to the right clientele

"I'm deeply connected to my work," Lebogang said He breaks down his process based on inspiration, thoughts, and execution In most cases, it just happens organically and leads him to a final product "I love exploring nature and collecting natural materials I also like to travel to new places, even if it's just a walk; it helps me look around for new ideas," said Lebogang when asked about inspirations

Lebogang is a self-taught artist He told us his first experience on a big platform was when he was part of a group show by The B Gallery in 2018 His exhibition made it to the Klerksdorp Record, which was an out-of-this-world experience for him

Meeting Jakes Mbele, the "low-key goat," working alongside him in 2019, shaped his view of the arts He learned so much in a short space of time, since Jakes is the one who influenced the Painting Matlosana Gold campaign Most importantly, Lebogang learned the do's and don'ts of the industry

"I'm an expressionist through my work I express my inner thoughts, my inner world, my discoveries, and explorations," that's his signature style When asked what sets him apart, he answered, "Through my explorations with organic materials, I discovered interesting natural formations and materials that I incorporate in my work With every piece that I craft, I weave together the natural and scientific elements to produce works that are thought-provoking, unique, and fresh to the eye "

Lebogang has a few milestones in the bag, but the most prominent ones are when he was unexpectedly called for an interview by SABC News at the Mahikeng Art Fair in 2021, and when his work was chosen by "Sabaa Education" in Germany for an online exhibition during COVID-19 in 2021 Some of his memorable moments include doing a live painting in front of a crowd at Matlosana Mall during Art Attack art fair organized by The B Gallery

When it comes to trends, he understands that they are meant to be followed, and if done the right way, they can impact one positively However, he would rather like to set his own trends so that he can be able to control what goes and what comes To stay informed as a contemporary artist, he believes in the power of information, so he equips himself with relevant tools, uses social media, does research of his industry, and most importantly, attends art events and gallery openings

His aspiration is to see the Lebogang Moabi brand become a household name, set a different tone in the art industry, and lastly, to share the love and the beauty of art with the world Lebogang is planning a solo exhibition to celebrate his artistic journey He is hoping to do it late 2024 or early next year