Mbongeni Buthelezi

BEING – Mbongeni Buthelezi South African artist Mbongeni Buthelezi is a true pioneer in his medium. He is known for inventing his unique method of ‘plastic painting’, thus using art to educate and raise awareness on wildlife and conservation. Here and here are videos of him, explaining his innovative and clever style.

State of emergency level 4 – Mbongeni Buthelezi

Mbongeni creates stunning masterpieces using his unfamiliar medium: a heat gun and thousands of carefully selected pieces of recycled plastic. Mbongeni applies the plastic technique in such a way that the result looks almost like an oil painting.

Mbongeni Buthelezi Having developed this method more than 20 years ago, Mbongeni has since made a name for himself as one of South Africa’s most original artists having his work featured across the globe.

Mbongeni Buthelezi

“I
use rubbish to 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.” – Mbongeni Buthelezi

Mbongeni Buthelezi Apparently, Mbongeni couldn’t afford the art supplies such as paint and canvases that he needed for his art school, so he turned to what was available in his surroundings. He chose plastic to work with as a way of making a statement in order to raise awareness about the plastic challenge our world is facing today.

Mbongeni Buthelezi Here’s how he does it: on the way to his studio, he scavenges for arts supplies (AKA waste plastic) on the streets of Johannesburg. He then lays these strips of discarded plastic onto a canvas and blasts with the heat gun to sculpt the plastic into textured portraits depicting the gritty diversity, beauty and reality of life. The strips of heated plastic emulate brushstrokes in his creations.  He is fascinated with the way each piece of plastic reacts differently to heat. One work of art contains up to 5000 pieces of plastic.

Mbongeni Buthelezi

As an artist, he likes to bring our attention to the importance
of observing the world with an open mind. He encourages young artists to interact
with the elements in a different and broader perspective.

Mbongeni Buthelezi He speaks extensively on “the importance of individual ownership in regard to the preservation of the environment, urging everyone to play their part individually to collectively make a difference”.

Mbongeni Buthelezi In his latest exhibition Sugar Tax, the logos and branding of well-known and popular soft drink brands are a unifying theme throughout. Members of the artists’ community are portrayed, going about everyday life, shadowed by these brands that the modern world has become so accustomed to. It is difficult to imagine our lives without these brands – without sugar, and with no plastic. – Art Times

Mbongeni Buthelezi

“I find it interesting that something of no value, with the
right care and attention can be used to create artworks of such beauty that
they have considerable value to art collectors” – Mbongeni Buthelezi

Mbongeni Buthelezi

Please support this inspiring artist. You can keep up to date on his work by following his Facebook and Instagram pages.

Mbongeni Buthelezi – visi.com

 Thank you for all your important work Mbongeni!