For well over 20 years Bonginkosi Mhlongo, an artist with polio from Adams Mission, has been selling his classical artworks at popular flea markets including The Stables, Musgrave and Wilson’s Warf.
However, in more recent Covid-19 times, he has relocated to Amanzimtoti Beach to sell his acclaimed pieces. “I’m very critical of my work and always push the limits when the opportunity arises. If I sit at home I become my own enemy, I’d rather be out here selling and doing my craft.” Despite being diagnosed with polio at a very young age and having to use crutches as a result, Mhlongo still maintains a positive demeanour and outlook on life. “You learn to live with these things and move on. Yes, it’s difficult. Yes, it’s frustrating. But this won’t stop me from achieving my goals.” Born and bred in Adams, Mhlongo said he always had an artist’s eye, despite his initial disinterest. “My uncle, who studied art, always encouraged me to pursue this hobby, ever since he saw my talent for sketching in pencil. Even as a child he knew I was better than him.”
Although he studied commerce at Natal Technikon, now the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Mhlongo turned to his art when his degree could not provide him with work. “I sold my first painting for R5 when I was 19. I needed an income so I turned to my other skill set. This has become a passion of mine and I’m always ready for whatever it may bring next.” Self-taught in the fine arts, Mhlongo says he prefers working on landscape and traditional pieces rather than portraits of people nowadays. “Art is subjective and customers are often overly critical of self-portraits. I’ve honed my skills on the natural elements which I know intimately in style, texture and lighting to create majestic pieces people can take home after their holiday or visit. They simply bring me a picture and I give life to it.”
Sport fanatics, tourists, locals and even adoring pet owners have approached Mhlongo over the years, to commission his work. “My dream is to own a set of gold paint brushes and have my work featured in galleries across the country. I’d love to be sponsored to enter a competition where I can have my skills acknowledged by other artists and professionals as I know I am on par or better.” Using his preferred withered brushes to achieve the correct colour grading and textures, Mhlongo said that art is as much consuming as it is rewarding. “Canvas, paints and transport cost me a lot and I really don’t make much off my pieces. I always tell customers that when you buy my art it’s an investment; because it will definitely be worth ten times more once I’m gone.” If you’d like to have a special holiday memory, location, traditional aesthetic, loved one, beloved pet or hobby-in-action painted, contact Bonginkosi on 078-549-6561 or visit him outside the Thirsty Whale, Amanzimtoti Beach, between 5.30pm to 8.30pm.
