Art exhibition for Mandela Month

Vendart International, led and managed by internationally recognised painter Takalani Ligege, held a free-to-all public exhibition in honour to the late state president, Nelson Mandela, at the Thavhani Mall in Thohoyandou last week.

Ligege's new paintings, which are all dedicated to Mandela, form a robust body of work, which is splendid and sterling at the same time. The collection of paintings is one that speaks directly to an African child and even to those who are non-African, inviting them to experience a slice of Africa through this art form.

“Nelson Mandela International Day is a global call to action that celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact,” said Ligege. “It is the artist’s prerogative to uphold, preserve and promote cultural diversity.”

The main attraction of the exhibition was a dignified, expressive depiction of Nelson Mandela in a larger-than-life painting at 2,5 metres tall.

“We intended to encourage viewers to interact with the exhibition by taking pictures in front of this painting and sharing these pictures on social media, thus rekindling fond thoughts of Nelson Mandela and spreading the message of peace, reconciliation and cultural diversity.”

Takalani Ligege is a consciously philosophical soul whose exploration of the 'art process' creates a visual dialogue between the artist and the viewer, sharing beautiful impressions of nature in all its textures and moods.

A resident of Shayandima on the outskirts of Thohoyandou, Ligege discovered his passion for the arts in the libraries and galleries of Cape Town in 1999 and has been painting and drawing ever since.

“I am an artist with exceptional skills in various media,” he said. “I am also an artist who learns fast.”

The meeting with the late art patron Peter Clarke inspired his taste for print making. His technical awareness, adaptability, attention to detail and persistence always seemed to leave masterly impressions on the chosen canvas.

“With a calm head and unwavering passion for my craft, I am a bankable artist whose works the world needs to see,” he said.

His artworks are currently available on the website www.vendart.co.za and directly from his studio at 1684 Thohoyandou Block J. He can be reached on 078 883 9944.

Entertainment - Date: 28 July 2019

Tshifhiwa Mukwevho

Tshifhiwa Given Mukwevho was born in 1984 in Madombidzha village, not far from Louis Trichardt in the Limpopo Province. After submitting articles for roughly a year for Limpopo Mirror's youth supplement, Makoya, he started writing for the main newspaper. He is a prolific writer who published his first book, titled A Traumatic Revenge in 2011. It focusses on life on the street and how to survive amidst poverty. His second book titled The Violent Gestures of Life was published in 2014.

Email: [email protected]