Tsolo-born visual artist exhibits the pain of vulnerable rural communities in his artwork
‘A picture is worth a thousand words.’
The saying rings true for Eastern Cape-born visual artist, Lwando Hlazo, who depicts mesmerising drawings and paintings inspired by the realities of rural communities. Hlazo was born and grew up in Tsolo, a village in the Eastern Cape. He aspires to own an art studio to showcase the untold stories of rural lives. Hlazo holds a BTech in fine arts from Walter Sisulu University.
“From an early age, I have been exposed to the harsh realities of post-apartheid South Africa, with very few coping mechanisms on offer. Because of that, I turned to whatever art material was available at my disposal for an outlet and means of expression,” Hlazo said.
The 30-year-old artist, who possesses a creative streak, participated in an East London BMW mural art project with four local artists last year.
He told Elliotdale Scoop that he drew inspiration from architectural structures, street protests and vendors.
“I make it my business to echo the pain displayed openly by poor and vulnerable South Africans who have to wait indefinitely for hope that life can change for the better. My choice of colours in my paintings represents the dusty roads and common colours used to paint the inside of the rondavel in rural areas,” Hlazo explained.
His artwork reflects his background, as he mostly paints pictures of crowded places that demonstrate the buzz of semi-rural towns where people go about their business. These places include taxi ranks, malls, and the sides of the roads.
“I am currently unemployed, and this is the hardest part of being an artist because if your art doesn’t sell, it’s hard to survive. And the art equipment is very expensive,” he told Elliotdale Scoop.
Hlazo has always yearned to secure a job that relates to art, but he says it is hard to find a job in the industry.
“I’d take any job right now. There’s too much pressure at home since I’m doing this art that nobody understands. I’ve been drawing cartoons since I was a kid and I never stopped. I just kept on learning and wanted to discover more about what I could do,” he said.
Hlazo hopes his art will be featured in history books.
In the most visually stimulating manner, I hope the audience of my works can see the uniqueness in my work—as pride and representation. My work aims to re-install pride in the residents of the city and their heritage through images that they can actually relate to.
One of the major successes he has achieved is the mural painting of the former Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi, who is also from Tsolo, that he did in her home back in 2019.
“A few months ago, I was invited to participate in a group exhibition in Belgium, and some of the paintings I recently posted on social media are part of that exhibition.”
Hlazo envisions his artwork selling on an international platform as he elevates the realities of rural people on the world map.
