Pilato's art captures people's imaginations

     Art & Sculpting

The talented Pilato Bulala from Tshivhuyuni village outside Elim is gaining popularity in the local art world with his zinc sculptures.

The 22-year-old began his career in art some five years ago. It was always a dream to become a famous artist and his poor background motivated him to start using initiative in creating products.

He started by making a small model of an LDV made from zinc and continued by making his interpretations of aircraft and fish. He then produced a model Volkswagen vehicle.

He said that he was inspired by renowned artist Thomas Kubayi and when he received a welding machine, he wanted to produce the art that is done by the Madi a Thavha Art Village.

He can be usually found spending his days bonding and bending zinc into art. He further said that he found creating the art challenging, but loved what he did and he has become a local celebrity because of his works.

His art is gaining in popularity as more and more local and international people are buying them. "The tourists from Holland love my work. They mostly buy earrings, because they have less weight,” he said.

He usually gets the materials to make his art from the people in his village. “Samaritans give me the zinc,” he said, but sometimes he goes to dumping sites to get the material.

He said that a few years down the line, he wants to reach big companies to acquire some art designs. Those who are interested in his art can phone him at 072 343 1202 or visit him at Tshivhuyuni village.

Entertainment - Date: 29 April 2017

Mbulaheni Ridovhona

The 22-year-old Mbulaheni (Gary) Ridovhona has been passionate about journalism to the extent that he would buy himself a copy of weekly Univen students' newsletter, Our Voice. After reading, he would write stories about his rural village, Mamvuka, and submit them to the very newsletter for publication. His deep-rooted love for words and writing saw him register for a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies at the University of Venda, and joined the Limpopo Mirror team in February 2016 as a journalism intern.

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