
4 minute read
Thabisile Myeza
proudly hails from the North West, specifically from the abundant land of Kanana Believing she inherited her artistic talent from her late grandfather Tuse, she was inspired by his multifaceted skills, including his prowess in art Growing up under his guidance, she knew she would nurture this talent and carry on his legacy, leading her to establish her own art company, Tusé Arts
During her high school years, she was already certain that art would be her lifelong pursuit For her, art held a healing power, both personally and for those around her. She aimed to inspire others to embrace their artistic abilities and share their stories through canvases, with hopes of one day traveling the world herself.
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Her late grandfather's creative hands were a constant source of inspiration, whether in crafting beautiful gardens or designing houses. Her mother, uMadlomo, has been a steadfast supporter throughout her artistic journey, offering guidance and encouragement along the way.
Reflecting on her first art exhibition at school, she fondly recalls the messy dining room transformed by her creations, a testament to her early dedication to her craft Despite the challenges, she finds joy in the camaraderie of art exhibitions, relishing in the diverse stories shared by fellow artists and drawing inspiration from their journeys
In addition to the artistic fulfillment, she admits to enjoying the complimentary food at art events, albeit jokingly For her, the most rewarding aspect is the opportunity to connect with other creatives and draw inspiration from their experiences, reaffirming her passion for art and her aspirations for the future
Thabisilefindsimmensefulfillmentinusingherarttohealand inspireothers,particularlychildrenfromunderprivilegedtownships whofacelimitedopportunitiesintheartworld Despitethe challengesofbeingayoungwomaninamale-dominatedindustry, sheremainsresilient,drawingstrengthfromhersoftandfeminine energy,whichreflectsinherpeacefulartworks
However,navigatingtheartworldasayoungwomancomeswithits shareofdifficulties,includingunwantedadvancesandtheneedto constantlyproveherself Yet,Thabisilefindssolaceandsupportin artistempowermentgroups,whoremindherofherpurposeand keephermotivated
Tostaygroundedandmotivated,Thabisilecarriesapictureofher grandfatherinherwallet,servingasaconstantreminderofher talentandlegacy.Herjourneyintotheartworldbeganinhigh schoolwhenherteacherrecognizedherpotentialandencouraged hertoenteracompetition Herartworkwassubsequentlyfeatured inaprestigiousartmagazine,affirmingherpassionandtalent.
Lookingahead,Thabisilehopestocrosspathswithinspiringfigures likeLadySkollie,admiringtheirfearlessnessinchallengingsocietal stigmas Despitetheobstaclesshefaces,Thabisileremainssteadfast inhercommitmenttousingherarttoupliftandinspireothers.

Thabisile finds daily inspiration in the ordinary moments of life, from observing the exhaustion of fathers returning from work to overhearing mothers' conversations about everyday struggles like weather or inflation. These experiences fuel her creative process, prompting her to sketch and capture the diverse issues faced by her community
As a multidisciplinary artist, Thabisile refuses to confine herself to any one medium, preferring instead to explore a variety of artistic expressions By embracing this versatility, she ensures that her art remains dynamic and reflective of the multifaceted experiences of her people

Thabisile refuses to be confined to one medium or style, opting instead to explore various artistic expressions, from painting landscapes to creating abstract murals or detailed portraits. What sets her apart is her willingness to defy conventional norms in art, believing that modern art allows artists to create their own rules. This freedom allows her to seamlessly blend charcoal drawings with oil paintings, adding depth and dimension to her work

Among her milestones is the establishment of her formal art business, a testament to her dedication and talent. Being featured in the prestigious South African Art Magazine and receiving invitations for radio interviews have further fueled her aspirations for success
Reflecting on current trends, Thabisile acknowledges the rise of digital art and technological advancements in the industry. While she celebrates the growth and opportunities these developments bring, she also emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional forms of storytelling, such as cave or rock art She advocates for a harmonious blend of old and new, recogn the significance of art history in shaping contemporary practices.
Thanks to social media and online platforms, Thabisile stays informed about industry trends developments, leveraging her Gen-Z affinity for digital connectivity to stay updated on the latest happenings in the art world.


Thabisile has been involved in notable collaborations, such as the Mmabana Art Project, which not only provided a platform for local artists to create together but also fostered a lasting art community Through this community, she has connected with like-minded individuals who support her creative vision and help bring her ideas to life.
Her aspirations include leaving a lasting legacy with her art, hosting solo exhibitions both locally and globally, and nurturing aspiring artists under her wing to succeed in the industry In her upcoming projects, she plans to host a three-day art workshop, mentoring township children in various artistic skills such as drawing, knitting, and digital art, among others

Thabisile Tuse
ThabisileMyeza


Andile Mayekiso is a visual artist, a contemporary photographer, a farmer, and the Co-founder of Darklights and Bari Steez.

Born and bred in Klerksdorp, Jouberton Shawela, Andile's love for creating, documenting, researching, and storytelling led him to pursue photography Initially a hobby that brought him happiness and activity, he decided to turn professional to fuel his passion further
Andile draws inspiration from nature, music, and social issues. His late father cherished his work as if it were his own, often engaging in lengthy discussions about it whenever possible. Additionally, Andile's supportive wife and creative friends have played integral roles in his journey as a photographer. What he finds most fulfilling about being a photographer is the freedom of expression it offers, allowing him to address social issues and provoke thought through his work.



I believe that some of the challenges we face are simply part of the natural process. Not everyone will understand my journey, but those who do, truly do. For me, overcoming challenges involves staying true to myself and continuing to create. While I may not be proud of dropping out of various colleges and universities, it's a part of my story. I tried different courses because it seemed like the right thing to do, but I never found joy in them. That's what happens when you pursue something you don't love. Despite this, I refuse to quit art. To anyone reading this, I urge you to finish what you start, and remember that education is invaluable.
Although I may never meet them as they have long passed away, I have drawn immense inspiration from individuals such as Thomas Sankara, Steve Biko, and Fela Anikolapo Kuti.


Andile's approach to his creative process is always dictated by the concept and message he aims to convey. Drawing inspiration from nature, music, and social change, he strives to capture his reality to tell his truth. Describing his signature style, Andile believes in portraying authenticity over aesthetics, setting him apart from others. Noteworthy achievements include winning the Taung Calabash competition three consecutive years and having his work showcased at prestigious venues such as the B.gallery and The Klerksdorp Museum.


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One of Andile's memorable projects involved organizing a successful art exhibition event at Matlosana Art Gallery, where he played a hands-on role. When asked about current photography trends, Andile humorously noted that while everyone may think they can do it, he finds it intriguing. To stay informed about industry developments, he relies on reading relevant articles and staying active on the internet. Andile has collaborated with numerous talented local artists and remains open to more collaborations, provided the energies align. These collaborations have not only validated his career choice but also encouraged him to embrace his ideas fearlessly. Looking ahead, Andile aspires to establish his own gallery and art school. His projects for the year include working on a solo exhibition scheduled later this year and participating in several local group exhibitions focusing solely on photography.
