AWARD-WINNING WSU ART STUDENT’S WORKSHOP TO EMPOWER YOUNG ARTISTS

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality is set to become a hub of artistic inspiration as award-winning visual artist and Walter Sisulu University (WSU) student Nomvula Millicent Hoko, 28, prepares to host a week-long workshop starting on August 30 at the WSU Fine Art Department in East London.

The workshop, titled "Echoes of Affirmation", aimed at empowering young and aspiring artists, promises to be a transformative experience for participants. It will delve into the intricate art and techniques of printmaking, offering participants a unique experiential learning opportunity.

Hoko, a third-year student majoring in Printmaking and Painting at WSU, has already made significant strides in her career.

In 2024, she was honored with the Best Visual Artist: 2D award at the 5th Annual Provincial Arts, Culture and Heritage Awards.

Reflecting on her journey, Hoko said her artistic journey began in high school, where she was introduced to the world of visual arts under the tutelage of Senzeni Marasela and Lucas Matjila.

“It was during that formative period that I discovered my passion for art and decided to pursue a career in the field,” she said.

Hoko's inspiration for the workshop stems from her experiences as a young artist.

“My inspiration comes from being a young artist and meeting different artists during my time of practicing. I realised when I arrived in the Eastern Cape that young artists only knew the traditional way of printmaking and did not have access to more information about the art business because the resources don’t reach them due to their rural locations,” she said.

The "Echoes of Affirmation" workshop is designed not only to help participants explore their creativity and self-expression through art and storytelling, but also to provide practical knowledge in art administration.

Hoko said her main objective is to give the participants knowledge about the art business, how the market operates, and how they can sustain their careers.

Participants will indulge in a printmaking technique called Monotype to create artworks, culminating in an exhibition and will gain valuable insights into the business side of art, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate the art industry successfully.

Hoko will facilitate the workshop in collaboration with Luzuko Dayile, a seasoned Buffalo City-based artist with ten years of experience in the printmaking industry.

Dayile's expertise will be invaluable in guiding participants through the technical aspects of printmaking.

"This workshop is a platform for young artists to discover their voices and learn the essential skills needed to thrive in the art world and art is not just about creating beautiful pieces; it's also about understanding the business behind it,” Hoko said.

Through this initiative, Hoko and Dayile aim to nurture talent, inspire creativity, and empower young artists to pursue their passions with confidence and knowledge.

The workshop is open to all aspiring artists in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, offering a week of intensive learning, creativity, and professional growth. Hoko concluded,

“My personal goal is to give back to the upcoming visual artists. I’m passionate about teaching art, it has been something I’ve always done throughout my years of practicing as an artist,” she added.

By Yolanda Palezweni