Africa-Press – Eswatini. FINE Artist Mphendvulo Daniel Dlamini was pleased to hand over an original portrait of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to her.
Dlamini presented the portrait last Friday during the African Women’s Peace and Development Foundation (AWPDF) fundraising breakfast hosted at the Happy Valley Hotel.
He said he was delighted in being able to share his works with another one of his role models and to further interact with Dr Zuma in the presence of other dignitaries.
He said his portrait was inspired by the influential role that African women such as Dr Zuma have played for decades in the continent, to which he looked up to.
“This artwork was inspired by my personal appreciation for the greatest African woman such as Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Indlovukazi Labotsibeni Mdluli, and Zewduthi of the Ethiopian Empire to mention a few. All of our incredible mothers have helped us as people to be who were are today,” he explained.
He further said he had used studied artistic technique over the course of 243 hours to complete the portrait in time to present it at the breakfast fundraiser. Dlamini described his artistic style approach as ‘tenebrism’ art. “I used a dot-size impasto technique fused with post-impressionism and super realism. My preferred medium for this piece was rolfes oil pastels on fabriano paper,” explained the artist.
He added that the portrait was framed using premium double frame plus titanium white foam mounting board. The artist said that he appreciated opportunities to network with dignified groups, as the networking aspect of such events provided endless opportunities to distribute and market his own work in the continent.
“It was wonderful networking and getting the opportunity to present the classic artwork alongside The Deputy Chairperson Nomsa Dlamini-Gule; a portrait of Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma whom we not only respect as a Princess here in Eswatini and the entire continent but also for her profound contribution towards humanity across Africa both as a qualified doctor and a seasoned freedom fighter,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini said he was honoured to meet his idol through inspirational gatherings, being proud to share his talent with the legendary individual amongst inspiring women.
“It was such a privilege to present this work in a room packed with prominent women of note and future leaders in that fashion,” added Dlamini.
He said it was a moment he would hold close to his heart for a long time to come.
“It was one of rarest moments getting an appreciation hug from none other than Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. I’m humbled,” Dlamini said.
He further said he supported the AWPDF in the work that they did for Eswatini and the continent as a whole.
“I encourage people to support the beautiful initiative and works by the AWPDF Eswatini,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini emphasised that he thought it was important for talented people to apply effort in their works in order to fully share their vision and talents amongst society.
“There is a difference between talent and skill. Talent you are born with and skill is acquired through education and training. Talent alone is not enough. Talent is not worth any dime, it is just an indication for potential. Some of us studied Art and are still studying. It’s a profession,” he emphasised. The experienced artists completed this portrait through his studio ‘DAWAD Studios’ from which he has created many more portraits which have been delivered to the likes of, His Majesty King Mswati III, former president of South Africa Thabo Mbeki and President of Botswana Dr Mokgweetsi E.K Masisi.
The professional artist continues to work on custom and commissioned art pieces featuring people and stories of inspiration.
Dlamini said he was proud to have reached important individuals through his passion in art inspired by his family. A number of family, friends and fans of his work have sent their congratulations to the artist, stating that he was talented, hardworking, and proud of him.
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