The 28-year-old Shadrack Hlungwani, who sat around his older brother all the time and observed him as he was hewing wood and fashioning it into amazing pieces of art, has now created a museum at his home in Kwaaimani section of Valdezia.
“I do larger-than-life statues using ceramic and cement, telling the history of our country and her people,” he said. “While I observed my brother when he worked on his art, he didn't teach me; I am a self-taught artist.”
He stated that, as a child, he had a dream of becoming a famous artist such as the late Jackson Hlungwani and Noria Mabasa. “So, growing into a fully skilled artist has never been an easy journey for me since my role models were internationally renowned masters of the craft,” he said. “It meant that I also had to produce art pieces of the highest merit.”
Shadrack won local arts and culture competitions that were hosted annually by the Valdezia community some years ago, and they motivated him to work even more and take his work seriously.
In the earlier years, the artist created the busts for celebrities and high-profile politicians, such as the late Collins Chabane, Rejoice Mabudafhasi, Casper Nyovest, Stanley Mathabatha, and Jacob Zuma.
“I have turned my home’s yard into an amazing museum,” he said. “People marvel when they pass by in the street. The scene in my yard is so amazing and eye-catching that one cannot easily ignore it.”
He is currently showing his latest work in his yard, termed “Union Buildings”. “People from all walks of life are welcome to visit me and have a view of the Union Building,” he said. “It includes some larger-than-life statues of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Nelson Mandela.”
Shadrack can be reached on 076 787 5241.
