Greetings, my name is Tlou Nandi Mabotja, and I am a visual artist residing in Centurion. Allow me to share a brief insight about myself.
“To me, art is akin to breathing; it embodies my existence within the realms of space and time. It serves as my refuge, enabling me to convey my deepest emotions and articulate my thoughts. In essence, it functions as my form of therapy. Indeed, art is my therapy,” Nandi expressed.
Hailing from the picturesque village of Moletjie in the Limpopo province, Nandi reflects on her journey as a visual artist and the significance it holds for her.
Nandi draws her inspiration from her profound love for black individuals and her commitment to representing them through her artistic endeavors. Although her artistic journey began as a mere hobby, her aspiration to create something distinctive and remarkable has propelled her to this point.
Art possesses a unique ability to convey meaning without the need for words, often communicating more profoundly than one might anticipate. Nandi’s creations exemplify this notion, as she articulates her mission to represent black individuals, particularly black women, through her artistic endeavors.
Historically, the representation of black individuals has been fraught with challenges, often characterized by negative stereotypes and a lack of authenticity. Nandi, as a black woman navigating a predominantly male environment, feels a strong responsibility to authentically portray her community across various facets of life.
She describes her affinity for art as a natural inclination, identifying herself as an art enthusiast, or at least aspiring to be one. Nandi emphasizes the importance of not imposing excessive pressure on herself, acknowledging that she is still on a journey of learning.
Nandi views herself as a perpetual student, eager to embrace the artistic journey, which fuels her passion for art. She takes pride in being self-taught and recognizes that fear is an inherent aspect of life, including the realm of art.
Open to new experiences and committed to continuous learning, Nandi refuses to allow fear to hinder her creative expression. Despite her intrinsic and introspective nature, she has learned to confront her fears by allowing her artwork to communicate on her behalf. Following positive responses to her public exhibitions, she has been motivated to challenge herself further and produce remarkable portraits.
Currently, Nandi is working on a piece that she has generously shared with us, and we are pleased to present it on her behalf.
Reflecting on her past apprehensions about showcasing her work, Nandi notes that she has largely overcome the fears that once plagued her. Concerns about judgment, public perception, and the reception of her art were significant obstacles she faced. However, through engaging with her audience, she has learned to navigate and transcend these fears.