Turning trash to treasure
Ever heard of an artist who turns trash into cash and transforms something old into gold?
A picture is worth a thousand words, and when it comes to creating art, the whole point is to show rather than to tell. Famous artist Salvador Dali once said: “A true artist is not inspired, but one who inspires others.”
Sciniseko Siboniso Jele is a true artist, whose work speaks volumes without the need for words. Each stroke of his brush is a testament to his talent and dedication. His ability to capture the smallest details and bring them to life is truly remarkable.
Whether it’s a portrait, a landscape, or an abstract piece, his art has the power to inspire and evoke emotions in those who view it. His work reflects his unique perspective and creative vision, and it is no wonder that he has gained such widespread acclaim. Jele is not just an artist, but also someone who inspires others through his art.
Jele, a talented and self-driven artist, has been making waves in the art world with his unique style of upcycling and recycling waste materials into breathtaking fine art. His passion for the Recycle Upcycle Fine Arts has propelled him to greater heights.
From an early age, he exhibited a keen interest in the arts. In 2022, he further honed his skills by obtaining a Diploma in Creativity and Innovation and a certificate in Montessori teaching - music, arts, and gadgets through Alice Online courses, which are recognized in Southern Africa and European countries.
In an interview with Jele, he said he is inspired by nature and climate change that is affecting Mother Earth. Over the years, his work has transitioned from painting to face painting African voodoo on his face and taking contemporary conceptual photographs. His current work is more sustainable, and he volunteered to pick up trash and turn it into cash.
According to the artist, art gave birth to everything fashion, cars, houses, furniture, and everything visible. His creative process starts after he has talked to his ancestors while cleaning the graveyard. “It’s like a deep spiritual gift I cannot explain to a simple mind,” he said.
Jele grew up with no art background and had no idols, but when he met Mesuli Mamba, he connected with the way he used cut-up magazine pictures, and made a collage of beautiful works of art.
His artistic achievements are as diverse as his creative process. In 2019, he participated in two group exhibitions at Yebo Art Design and was part of the group that attended the Johannesburg FNB International Arts Festival. He also left his mark at the Bushfire Festival Bring Your Fire Zone, contributing to a mural painting on climate change with Yebo Art Design.
His talent caught the attention of Aya. africa, and he was featured on their platform. Additionally, he showcased his artwork at the Expo/Art exhibition at the Theatre Club in Mbabane, Eswatini, in November 2021. In February 2022, he held a solo art exhibition at Alliance Francaise de Mbabane, captivating audiences with his upcycled fine artworks.
In 2023, he was selected to be part of the Bushfire Festival Bring Your Fire Zone, where he addressed the pressing issue of climate change alongside UN agencies. He also held a solo exhibition on World Environmental Day at the Mavuso Sedco Hall, in collaboration with UN/UNDP and the Eswatini Environmental Authority. His outstanding proposal also earned him an honourable mention from the jury of the LIA Leipzig International Residency Program 2023. His artistic prowess even caught the attention of Ambassador Andreas Peschke of the Federal Republic of Germany Pretoria Embassy. He also gifted one of his captivating upcycled fine artworks to the ambassador on August 15, 2023. His talent was acknowledged by the jury of the South African National Association for the Visual Arts, and he was selected to be part of an online auction in October 2023.
Jele stressed some challenges to the arts industry and the growth it deserves. He highlighted the issue of not having an art fair and art museum in the country. He also wailed about the lack of support for arts in Eswatini which makes it harder for artists to get remunerated for their efforts. Commenting about the difficulty of making money through art, he said due to demographic and geography position, it is very difficult. He said these factors are depriving him the liberty to earn bucks with his work. He added that South Africa has a better art scene than Eswatini. He also made an example of how Uncle Waffles left the country for a much greener-pastured international arts industry. He also pleaded with responsible heads to stride towards the betterment of the art system in the country.
He further advised upcoming artists to do what will make them money and forget about passion due to the low recognition of art.