Workshop Summary

It is important for any young creative to understand the basics or foundation of all forms of formation.  In this workshop, Blessing will be talking about the life of collagist at large. He will guide attendees through the creative processes, how to work with found materials and objects and how to collect ideas from nothing. This workshop will be a great opportunity for those willing to experiment with and learn about art creation.

 

NB: Please bring the following materials: 

• A Magazine

• Acrylic gel / Glue

• Pencils

• Scissors

• Small blank canvas, carton or paper

• Optional: any other art materials you favour

 

Blessing Ngobeni - Biography

Blessing Ngobeni was born in Tzaneen, Limpopo. Having had a difficult relationship with his step-father, he left Limpopo for Johannesburg at the age of ten. There he lived on the streets and temporary accommodation until, five years later, he was arrested for armed robbery and spent close to six years in prison. In prison, Ngobeni studied for his Matric and was exposed to the Tsoga (Wake Up) Arts Project. With the help of warders and two particular friends who brought him art materials, he began to pursue his art seriously.

 

After prison, Ngobeni studied at Newtown’s Artist Proof Studio and worked for David Krut Publishing at the Johannesburg Art Gallery. The Daily Maverick described Blessing Ngobeni as “producing award-winning work reminiscent of the style of Míro, but it is work that is fiercely critical of South Africa’s political elite.” For his solo show at Gallery MOMO titled As If You Care in August 2015, he affirmed: “I have found that most people act as if they care

for the greater good, particularly those in power, but in reality they don’t […] the business of self-enrichment does not accommodate mercy.”

 

Today Blessing Ngobeni has established himself as one of the leading younger figures in contemporary South African art. He is represented by the Everard Read and CIRCA galleries in Johannesburg, Cape Town and London.

 

www.blessingngobeni.co.za