Local artist in city
2006-11-02
A YOUNG and upcoming artist of Mbekweni, Thembinkozi Kohli, is one of the artists currently exhibiting at the new iArt Gallery in Loop Street, Cape Town.
Thembi recently published a book, The Shadow, about a boy who discovers himself through his shadow. His name is Q-Phy.
Thembi says he got the idea of writing and illustrating the book during a workshop at UCT for writers and illustrators of children’s books.
The boy tries to run and hide from the shadow, but to no avail.
“For me the shadow is a reflection of our internal dark sides that we are always running away from,” says Thembi.
“People are scared of looking at themselves - maybe they will find something that is not expected.
“Our shadows are also a reflection of who we are. To run away will not solve our problems.
“As a society we need to confront ourselves, to dig deep into ourselves to find solutions to our problems.”
Thembi says working with the character called Q-Phy, has made him realise his potential and what he can do with his imagination.
“It has made me create a series of paintings based on this character.
“It is a process of discovering the world anew through the eyes of a child.
“It allows me new ways of looking at things, not as me, but through Q-Phy. I can dream and become what I want to be.
“Q-Phy is an embodiment of positive energy and stillness of the mind.”
Thembi says the world of children’s books is fascinating to him, because children have a different way of looking at things.
He has also created a series of products from the book, including T-shirts and greeting cards for different events.
“My long term goal is to see an animated movie of Q-Phy”.
In the meantime he also dreams of a book tour in several libraries and visits to primary schools in order to encourage children to read.
Anyone interested in his work, can contact Thembi at 073-836-2014.
More
News
|
