ALL I HAD WAS TEABAG, PAPER AND DREAM.
By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
Kenneth Maredi, founder of Trigger Thabiso Heart Art, is a very special artist and highly skilled!
His talent recently made him famous when he made portraits of renowned actresses Connie Chiume, Madikizela (both from telenovela Gomora) and the Amapiano artist, Mr Jazziq.
He said that he was inspired by a few artists, some of whom worked with him on his art as well.
“At first, I was inspired by Ennock Mlangeni and Health Hlatshwayo. Those artists played a huge role by inspiring me on social media. Although I couldn’t meet them in person, I respect the way they influenced me in art,” he said.
Kenneth also drew inspiration from his painting lectures, Mr Malose Pete and Mrs Danielle Marlherbe during his university term from 2020 to 2023.
The visual artist, hails from a dusty street of Mentz Segoreng, in Limpopo.
He attended secondary school in Nkoshilo in limpopo and after matriculation, he moved to Johannesburg in Alexandra Township.
“That’s where I caused a stir in art until I pursued my dream of being an artist by enrolling Fine and Applied Art in Tshwane University of Technology.”
His creativity enabled him to discover that he can use a tea bag to create art.
“I’m working on a series of artworks from the use of a tea bag. Discovering this tea bag technique was a great idea for me because I think I am the first young artist to use a tea bag, paper and pencil to create art.
“I am pleased to have found a theme and content to create a unique art in South Africa,” he proudly said.
He said that in the art industry, they are dealing with more challenges.
He noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was difficult for artists to find clients and space to exhibit their art because there were rules and regulations related to COVID-19.
He said that in South Africa, the impact of COVID-19 had been job losses and a high rate of criminality, particularly looting.
” So as artists, we were struggling to get clients and means of payment. And another challenge we usually face is difficult clients who change everything in their commission work and orders.
“But I usually take my weaknesses and turn them into my strength. Same applies to my changing threats into opportunities.”
Asked where he saw himself in the near future, he said: “Since I discovered the art of the tea bag, I can’t easily tell the timeline of seeing myself in the near future.
“But, there’s a hope. And I will work hard to get myself a full bread in my plate so that I can share slices with other artists and society at large by creating job opportunities and exhibition opportunities.”
He looks forward to a successful solo exhibition.
His advice to youth is, “Because they say education is the key to success, I think young people now need to use their education to build their talent.
“But one ought to know that hard work beats talent. So consistency and commitment count in the journey of polishing your future.”