Tshilisano Masindi, an artist from Makwarani in Thohoyandou, is yet another example of the Vhembe region's extraordinary riches as far as talented artists are concerned.
Tshilisano (20), better known by the brand name for his art, Muchilos, has been drawing since he can remember. His amazing pencil and charcoal sketches and vibrant canvas paintings (which he only recently started to experiment with), leave people speechless with admiration.
He said that, as a young boy, he used to spend all his free time bent over drawings. "When I was in my primary schooling, I realised that I had a gift for drawing. Whenever we had a free period, I would be drawing," he said.
Tshilisano does not have to stand back for his peers as his love of creative art, and the determination that went with it over the years, has brought him on equal footing with other artists. "It feels fantastic to be an artist. I enjoy inspiring others to believe in young people and give them a chance through my work," he said.
His own artwork was influenced by the work of artists such as Thabelo Phungo from Khubvi and Bonolanga Siaga Luheni Mapuloni. However, Halatedzi Munzhelele from Tshilungwi, he said, motivated him the most to focus on improving.
Tshilisano matriculated at Vhutavhatsindi Secondary School in 2020 and is presently a second-year student at Mavhoi TVET College, studying for his diploma in civil engineering.
In June this year, he won first place in an arts and culture competition. "I represented Mavhoi College and ended up winning the competition. I was overjoyed and felt very proud of myself," he said.
He aspires to have his artwork displayed in international art galleries one day. "I'd like to show off my work internationally. I want every piece of art I create to be well known and be classified among the finest of all time," he said.
Tshilisano's art catalogue is available on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (Muchilos Rsa), or WhatsApp or call him on 064 081 9897.