The Artist: MBONGENI RICHMAN BUTHELEZI
The Paintings: “SPIRIT OF THE NATION” & “IN UNION”
Mbongeni Buthelezi was born in 1965 in rural KwaZulu Natal and he is a 'painter' in plastic. At a time when contemporary art seems obsessed with the idea of ideas, it is refreshing to see the work of an artist who combines strong intuition with artistic vision and stands up against the best.
To create his works, Buthelezi layers coloured plastic, melted together with a heat gun, which reflects a profoundly empathetic vision of his world. Having gained acclaim for his work internationally, Buthelezi exhibited in venues such as the Museum of African Art in New York, the Goch Museum in Germany and the Prague Biennale.
Buthelezi’s recycling of plastics into artworks is a symbol of hope in this new age. He was presented with the Mail and Guardian Green Trust Award for his commitment and contributions to the environment. He was honoured by the judges for his social conscience, creativity and sheer hard work.
Buthelezi says: “I collect rubbish and create something beautiful from it. I collect something that has no value and give it new life. That’s what we can do with ourselves and our lives.”
“Well done Mbongeni Richman Buthelezi, a creative and innovative artist with a difference, an artist who uses people’s litter to make pictures with a difference.”
– Drum Magazine
The Wine: Chenin Blanc 2011
Wine of Origin: Swartland (106 bottles available)
Sourced from a boutique private cellar tucked away in the highest weathered granite slopes of the Paardeberg Mountain. A fruity and fresh Chenin Blanc from low yield dryland bushvines. Like a bowl of fruit salad with guava and tropical fruit flavours.
The Wine: Sauvignon Blanc 2011
Wine of Origin: Darling (106 bottles available)
Enjoy the concentrated fruit of this low yield, non-trellised bush-vine Sauvignon Blanc from one of South Africa’s cool climate regions. The grassy, herbaceous notes are enhanced, resulting in a lingering aftertaste with hints of green figs, passion fruit and a racy acidity.
The Artist: JOHN VUSI MFUPI
The Paintings: “JOY OF THE NATION”
Mfupi first realised he had a talent for art at primary school level, but he never thought that he would one day become an artist.
Mfupi is inspired by his surroundings and the environment he lives in. During his third and final year at FUNDA, he worked on a theme about high school pupils. He looked at their behaviour, and captured the day-to-day scenes in and outside the school premises. It worried him to see pupils using drugs and drinking alcohol during school hours. It hurt him to see the generation of tomorrow digging their own graves, and sinking into the pits of destruction.
Mfupi started creating pieces to make society aware, and to draw attention to the importance of education in South Africa. For his artworks, he uses burned newspapers, thatching grass, magazines and any other objects that he comes across. He also works in three dimensions, using sound and installations.
Mfupi says: “In South Africa, you have to be brave to take up art on full time basis. Many people do not realise that art is an international language. What is important now is that we focus and put all our energy into the preparation. The doors are now opening for South African artists, and we have to prove that we are professional. We have to grab the opportunity while it is here; otherwise it is going to be too late.”
The Wine: Chardonnay 2008
Wine of Origin: Tulbach (106 bottles available)
Sourced from a farm in a little valley that lies in a fertile basin almost completely surrounded by the majestic Winterhoek and Witzenberg mountains, often snow-capped in winter. An elegant wine with a deep golden colour, peach and vanilla aromas and concentrated fruit flavours reflecting the true character of the cultivar.
