Today I went to the Rosebank arts and craft market in order to expose myself to new upcoming artist, interview them and experience what art looks like when it is not made by a professional. These artists would generally sell their works on the side of the street or at general markets.
The first artist I encountered was Rose Kamoto. She is an upcoming artist in Johannesburg. She was originally from Kenya where she was a fine arts teacher. She then moved over to Johannesburg 18 years ago where she got married and continued her art career. Her studio is situated in upper Houghton. Her artworks are stunningly done in a different style to other artists. She uses mixed media which consists of oil paint, acrylic paint, gel pens and permanent marker. She has a whole spectrum of different subject matter in her paintings but my personal favourite was the artworks of the rhino and elephant. She uses very vivid colours to express herself.
Here are some examples of her artworks.
The next artist I met was Charles Nkomo. I learnt through interviewing him that he was born in 1974 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He studied art and craft here and later on specialized in fine arts. He then became a resident at the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo and this is where he had joint exhibitions and got asked to paint outstanding murals for certain organizations. He then participated in art exhibitions in Durban and in 2006 a solo exhibition in the Hyatt hotel, near Rosebank. He now presents and sells his works at the Rosebank arts and crafts market every Sunday.
Here are a few of his works.
Brad Burrell 