Creation in its various forms is therapeutic

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The work of a full-fledged painter, Takalani Ligege, is lucidly telling as it depicts contemporary life in Africa.

This resident of Thohoyandou Block J specialises in oil-on-canvas paintings and linocut prints, while he has also a vested interest in sculptures in various media, especially bronze. He looks at life through the spectacles of an artist.

“The responsibility of cultural preservation and social identity rests with the artists of an era,” he said. “The artist in society carries the power to design culture for that society.”

He is a self-taught artist, who can learn from observing completed art pieces and adjust his approach to accomplish tasks in a desired manner; in that way he is flexible with his techniques.

“Should the African child not have a voice within the collective of cultural designers, most if not all of the African heritage is bound to vanish from society,” he stated. “We are already witnessing this trend within our lifetime, especially among Vhavenda, Basotho, Vatsonga and Amaxhosa.”

He augmented his statement by adding that what is currently referred to as traditional clothing is an acculturation of the western type of cloth.

“We are also witnessing the disappearance of an unacceptable number of dance forms and songs that were uniquely and specifically designed to be performed at socio-cultural events such as initiation schools,” he said. “It is therefore important that my art reflect as much of our cultural heritage as possible without losing relevance with the audience.”

Takalani is a full-time artist and art administrator, who runs a virtual art studio platform that aims to connect marginalised or previously disadvantaged artists with galleries and art collectors.

“Creation in its various forms is one of the most satisfying experiences,” he said. “To have the opportunity to create something new daily is a therapeutic and mentally stimulating experience.”

He is currently working with other artists to unearth and inspire the creative curiosity of learners in selected schools in the Vhembe District through the Department of Arts and Culture’s programme known as Artists in Schools.

“As Vendart International, in collaboration with the University of Venda Art Gallery, we are organising a series of solo exhibitions by local artists, entitled Revisiting Artists of Vhembe District that will run from 1 September until 18 December 2018,” he said.

Those interested in Ligege's work can reach him on 078 883 9944 or view his work on www.vendart.co.za.

By: 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.