“From my heart’s deepest corners to the world.”
That is how multi-award-winning Port Elizabeth artist Banele Njadayi described his latest artwork, created in 2018, which recently caught the eye of a collector in Washington.
Speaking from his Walmer township home on Monday, Njadayi said: “It is not always easy to pick a favourite among your works but this one is one of my favourites.
The piece which depicts a SA gogo wearing an orange polo neck, a colourful skirt, pants and granny slippers while carrying a young child on her back is more than just art to Njadayi.
“The piece entitled “The Guardian” reminds me of my childhood,” the 39-year-old said.
“It is very close to my heart.
“A lot of us eKasi [township] were raised by our grandparents ... more-especially our grandmothers who took the role of being mothers and fathers to us at a young age.
He said the piece reminded him of his grandmother, Nobandla Landu, who raised him from a young age.
“It reminds me of the kind of person she was, the way in which she carried herself ... the way in which she never complained about anything and took everything on with a positive outlook.”
With more than 15 pieces having gone international, Njadayi said he was most thankful for the people he has met along the way including Karen Cullinan of Artyli.com. where his latest work was spotted.
“I have learnt to be a professional rather than be an artist ... this is something that I always impart on all the young people that I have interacted with throughout all my projects that I work on.”
“Whatever I learn, I impart ... that is why I have collaborated in projects about the city to uplift others as I climb ... this is part of the climb,” he said.
Cullinan of Artyli.com — which exhibits and sell artwork created by emerging, mid-career artists and contemporary African artists — could not hide her pride.
On the piece, Cullinan said: “Universally this is a testimony to women, who are a pillar of strength in many communities, raising children and grandchildren on their own.
“Banele is an artist to watch, a rising star with a bright shining spirit, an example for all young aspiring African artists.
“We are honoured to represent him in our gallery,” she said.
“When you buy an artwork of Banele Njadayi, you’re not only buying an investment piece, you are investing into the life of an artist who is an inspiration to the people in his community.”
HeraldLIVE