Photographer: Anthony Horak Photography / Make-up: Francis Ferreira – Follicle on the Move (Follice Inc).
Born in Eshowe, Val de Grace resident Bongi Bengu left South Africa when her family went into political exile. She attended school in Switzerland and Swaziland, obtained a BA in Fine Arts, Cum Laude from Mount Vernon College in Washington D.C. before returning to South Africa and graduating with a Master of Fine Arts degree from Michaelis School of Fine Art, the Fine Arts department of the University of Cape Town. It’s a real mouthful, we know. But Bongi Bengu is as talented as she is beautiful and we just had to find out more about this amazing local artist.
She’s called the capital city home for the past five years and even as a child, art has always been a part of her life. “As a child I was always asked to illustrate for my father’s work presentations and my sisters’ school biology and chemistry diagrams so I realised back then that art was my calling,” Bongi explains.
For her, art is a very powerful platform for creating dialogue amongst people. “It can also be a potent healing tool,” she adds.
Her very first solo exhibition was at the AVA gallery in Cape Town and was a presentation of the work she completed as part of her MFA degree at the Michaelis School of Fine Art. The theme was examining the role of African women and power. Since then she’s exhibited her both locally and internationally.
Bongi says she gets inspiration for her work from everyday life and experiences.
She primarily uses mixed media in her work and explains that she loves to combine different mediums such as charcoal, pastel, acrylics, oils and found materials from nature. She’s even worked with soil and says her style evolves constantly.
She has lived in various countries and can speak multiple languages, and Bongi says the ‘international component’ has definitely helped in her work. “Because I have lived in so many different countries, I always feel at home wherever I am and I always try to express a universal message,” she says.
Her favourite local artist is Louis Maqhubela and internationally she follows the work of Kara Walker.
Her dream job? “Being an artist is my dream job! I waited for years to do this work. But now I would also love to extend the experience to others. I would love to be more involved with teaching the youth and grooming our future leaders,” Bongi says.
And of course we had to ask. What is the biggest stereotype people usually have about artists? “I think the worst stereotype about artists is that they are ‘weird’. My question usually is who defines what is normal and what is weird?” Bongi says.
Right now, Bongi is working on a series of etching and litho prints. Litho printing or lithography is a method of printing using stones or metal plates. “The series of prints are inspired by the powerful symbol of infinity that can help us in various ways, but most especially to create balance and harmony within our daily lives.
Any advice for aspiring artists dreaming of making it big in the industry?
“Make sure you have a mentor that can always help and guide,” she says. “Especially since one of the most difficult things about being an artist is marketing and making sure one gets enough exposure.”
“The best part about being a full- time artist is when work ceases to be work because it is so fulfilling and nourishing to the soul. The art encompasses my whole life. It is like breathing,” Bongi says.
Criticism is part of life as an artist, but Bongi has some advice. “Everything can work in one’s favour. Bad criticism can give one great publicity and also help one grow enormously as an artist,” she says.
In her free time, Bongi loves to listen to good music and dance. She also enjoys Indian cuisine, especially since it’s tasty and healthy.
If you want to know more or see Bongi’s work, visit her website www.art.co.za/bongibengu
Bongi’s favourites:
Must-have summer fashion item…
A red summer hat.
Beauty secret…
Always remove make-up before going to bed and drink lots of water.
Accessories…
I buy everywhere. Some items I have acquired from my travels but I think with a good eye one can find gems everywhere.
