By Xalati Avery Shingange
DAN VILLAGE- Nkowankowa born contemporary artist Ponani Mukansi (25) always makes art from reality and things that people can relate to.
Oceans as he popularly known in the art circles is famous for amazing portraits of notable people, he even caught Minister Tito Mboweni’s eyes.
The minister posted the picture on twitter and credited the galleries from NkowaNkowa township in Tzaneen. See the link below
Great artists from NkowaNkowa township, Tzaneen. One a photographer and the other a painter extraordinaire!MrDynamics Art and Ponani Oceans Art Gallery respectively. pic.twitter.com/24AQT2Fbms
— Tito Mboweni (@tito_mboweni) August 3, 2020
The UNISA Visual Art and Multimedia student say recognition from famous people such as Minister Tito Mboweni, Deputy minister Cassel Mathàle, Ricky Rick, King Monada, and DJ Fresh will inspire him to continue to do great things.
“I am working on a project that conveys how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world socially, psychologically, and economically.”
As good as art looks but Oceans outlines the difficulties that come out of the Art industry. For everyone to get exposure, you must work three times harder and make sure your work is outstanding.
On the bright side, Oceans mentions that with art, you get to explore and express who you are and inspire people through it.
He gets inspiration and looks up to artists like Michaelangelo, Solomon Omogboye, Nelson Makamo, Leonardo Da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, and Blessing Ngobeni.
“I want to see myself opening art school where I can teach and coach young artists for free and have my own art gallery,” Oceans said.
He encourages the upcoming artists to keep on going and that anything is possible but nothing comes easy.
He always lives by these words. “You are born to live and live to die, die to live a legacy.”
Twitter: Oceans Art
IG: Oceans Art
Facebook: Oceans Art.
