BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MBABANE– As we deal with the spike in gender-based violence (GBV) cases in the country, local artist Mphendvulo Daniel Dlamini has condemned bullying that takes place in schools.
Dlamini shared with this publication how he fell in love with art to escape and cope with the bullying that he experienced when he was younger.
“Many people would say they were inspired by some nice things out there; for me, that happened at a later stage; otherwise, I had a rough upbringing, making me an easy target for bullies always picking on me. Bullying from the extended family I grew up in, of which I still have nightmares when I think about my childhood, and bullying from school, which somehow almost disturbed my beautiful relationship with academics.”
Dlamini thanked God that he coped. He shared that since childhood, whenever he was going through unnecessary man-made adversities, he looked into the limitless creative space and just dove deeper into its wilderness to hunt for inspiration to live life and, most importantly, preach his relevance to the world.
“It was up until I grew thick skin that I now had all the courage to ward off any form of bullying head-on. My viciousness runs deep, from way back to the extent that I lose my usual character whenever I’m faced with bullying of any nature. If this is inspirational, then that is what makes me an artist. My work is mostly inspirational; its sole purpose is to mend broken souls and revive one’s ambition for the great things in life against all odds. It’s always a visual testament to self-realisation and sharing your relevance with the world while simultaneously building your worth in society.”
The artist from Lundzi, under Mhlambanyatsi Inkhundla, revealed that he learned to draw from his dad. He shared, “Art runs in the family; we have quite a number of male sketchers who only sketch for fun. I am the only one who took art professionally and made a career out of it with the guidance of my cousin, the former Minister of Housing and Urban Development Phiwayinkosi Mabuza, who mentored me into a business-conscious person.”
According to Dlamini, his recent exhibition two months ago at the Alliance Française de Mbabane was the best solo exhibition he has had in the country and his second best in my experience in this career. “It was mainly speaking to broken souls who are on the verge of giving up on everything; it was saying it is okay to be you; people think otherwise about what you have become; it is okay to stumble and fall only to rise up stronger because victory is not in never falling, but it is in strength.”
He added by saying that strength is the ability to pick yourself up each time you fall. His expression was all about rising up, shining, and wearing your scars proudly, for those are your badges of honour. “Now that you have travelled the road, at least you have tried. At least you are wiser now, and whoever wants to judge you or thinks you know better must walk a mile in your shoes first. It was a visual testament, propagating a revolution against all the toxicities and absurdities of life.
“I always make it a point when I am painting that I apply elegant yet bright colours and enough light to lift up the soul of the viewer each time they look at the painting. It’s always been composed as an open source of energy and inspiration for the best things in life. It’s saying; Look at the bright side of life.”
Dlamini lamented the art market in the country and said that it is not really where he would like it to be, given the population and the national intellectual integrity being so low to appreciate an experimental mind. “It is mainly the factual reality of cash flow. Those who may happen to appreciate art may not be able to afford the stipulated price tags, leaving the artist with no choice but to compromise his value in order to survive, said Dlamini.”
He further said artists can do way better in life and finance other professions if the country, through Arts and Culture, can implement the recommendations above, but for now, it’s just better to leave the country if you are an artist and go contribute to other countries’ economies because our current Arts and Culture administration is not doing enough.
When asked where he draws inspiration from, he said, “I draw inspiration from free-spirited artists like Majaha. Jeffrey Mabuza, Mbongeni Fakudze, and Aushie Matsebula. My favourite artists are;Blessing Ngobeni from South Africa, Shozo Shimamoto from Japan, Wangechi Mutual, a Kenyan-American, Sterling Ruby, and Frank Stella from the USA, but my best is none other than the Frenchman Claude Monet.”
Dlamini has painted quite a number of influential people, including the Majesties, presidents, and key players in the corporate world.
He concluded by saying he would still love to paint a portrait of Shaquille O’Neal, Dwayne Johnson, Snoop Doggy, and Tyler Perry. “I love their impact on the world; it really resonates with my perspective on life. Ubuntu.”
