Iconic pieces by local artists on display at South Coast Bike Fest
Stunning creations by local South Coast artists will be displayed at the South Coast Bike Fest #SCBF2017 – presented by UGU South Coast Tourism – taking place at Margate from 27 to 30 April.
Coming from Mtwalume, Sibonelo Chiliza has always had an affinity for art although it never formed part of the school curriculum. “I grew up with artistic abilities. My wire cars, clay works and drawings were always good but I couldn’t practice my drawing skills at school because art was not understood then.”
Following his passion, Chiliza studied a Diploma in Textile Design and Technology at the Durban University of Technology, during which time he met Jean Powell from the Botanical Art Society of South Africa. It was Powell who introduced him to the world of plant imagery which resonated with him, first using pencil and then evolving his technique.
“I always felt comfortable with pencil but, in 2016, a friend saw me sharpen my lead pencil and pointed out that surely those sharpenings can create something, so I started using them in my art,” he explained. “Soon afterwards, a friend who rears chickens came to fetch something and he had chicklets and loads of sawdust in his bakkie. I asked for a sack of that sawdust and did a Bob Marley piece in return for his sawdust. Now I am more of a sawdust artist.”
His incredible artistic talent has caught the attention of many with the Oppenheimer family commissioning him in 2010 to draw plants from their private Tswalu Kalahari Reserve and, in 2014, Dr Shelley Sherwood, renowned for having the largest botanical art collections in London, purchased one of his creations. Chiliza has also been awarded a silver and two bronze medals for his exhibitions at the Kirstenbosch Biennale.
The artist, who always chooses produce ‘quality over quantity’, will be using his signature sawdust technique to create three portrait pieces featuring elderly people from rural areas of South Africa. He will also be showcasing a number of captivating pieces focusing on vintage motorbikes as well as biker silhouettes
Fellow Mtwalume resident, Mnqobi Sengane, will be working with a creative team to come up with some cornerstone pieces that will define #SCBF2017. Creating incredible oil and acrylic paintings, Sengane only discovered his passion for art last year, but his inherent talent has now been unleashed and it is a wonder to see.
“I feel as though I was born with the talent but there was just nobody there to discover it,” said Sengane. “I was watching a friend, Thabani Mtshali, illustrating with pencil and asked if I could try because I had free time, being unemployed.”
His creative flair quickly became evident and the duo began working together, with more like-minded artists – Sanele Cebisa and Mfundo Gumede – joining them on their quest. Although oil and acrylic are Sengane’s medium of choice, his fellow artists also work with pencil, ink and charcoal. Working together, the four draw inspiration from each other, always encouraging one another to build on what they’ve achieved. They consider this event a great platform to showcase what truly inspiring creations they can make.
Commenting on this exciting feature to the #SCBF2017, Justin Mackrory, CEO of UGU South Coast Tourism, said: “This event is about bringing people from all walks of life together and providing a platform for the local community to really showcase what the South Coast has to offer. We are really looking forward to the brilliant work that these local artists will be creating for the festival and hope they achieve even more recognition for their amazing talent.”
The #SCBF will feature even more local talent on Saturday, 27 April when the Mtwalume Brass Band takes to the festival. Established in 2006 by Mtwalume Combined Primary School teacher, Lindani Cyprian Mkhize, the band comprises 25 members from local and surrounding schools playing an array of instruments. The band members are all taught invaluable musical skills as a form of youth empowerment.
“The Mtwalume Brass Band and other local artists prove that South Coast has a lot of talent in different categories,” said Maxwell Mhlongo, Development Coordinator at UGU South Coast Tourism. “Local events are good platforms for our artists to expose their talents.”
The 2017 #SCBF runs from 27 to 30 April with all event action taking place in the secure venue site. In addition to the stunning artwork on display, the #SCBF promises four days of unmissable entertainment and with eight festival-themed bars, eight corporate dealership deck, 22 on-site restaurants, pubs and clubs as well as 35 of South Africa’s top bands on offer. The Village Margate Trading Square will be selling quality biking products with buskers, street artists, Samba dancers, fire eating and craft beer villages situated within the Mardi Gras Village.
The online pre-registration allows #freefunseeker ticket holders access to the event boulevard which includes secure parking. To pre-register for the #freefunseeker tickets, visit www.quicket.co.za.
Tickets to the #fuelyourfun Carling Main Beach also available at www.quicket.co.za at a cost of R130 per day or R200 for the cocktail bar day pass. For a VIP four-day pass the cost is R360. Children under 12 enter free.
For more information, visit the website at www.southcoastbikefest.co.za or email info@southcoastbikefest.co.za.
Keep up to date on all the event happenings via:
Instagram: @southcoastbikefest
Facebook: south coast bike fest
Twitter: @southcoastbike1
Iconic pieces by local artists on display at South Coast Bike Fest https://t.co/yc8htsASYT @southcoastbike1 #ArriveAlive pic.twitter.com/dstmMmY0r3
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 10, 2017
