In a quiet corner of Benoni, South Africa, a young child sat cross-legged on the floor, holding a sheet of tissue paper in one hand and a pencil in the other. The tissue paper wasn’t just a substitute for a sketchbook—it was all they had. Given to them by their great-grandmother, it became more than just a canvas; it was a window into a world of imagination and expression. For Sphesihle Hlatshwayo, this modest beginning would ignite a lifelong passion for art, turning fragility into power and impermanence into beauty.
Growing up in Daveyton, a township known for its raw beauty and contrasts, Sphesihle’s life was a blend of struggle and hope. It was a place where survival coexisted with dreams, where resilience was an unspoken force that kept people moving forward. For young Sphesihle, the township was more than just a backdrop—it was a source of endless inspiration. The unspoken stories of the people, the energy of the streets, and the resilience of the community wove themselves into his art, creating themes of transformation, hidden identity, and strength.
At the heart of Sphesihle’s artistic journey was the realization that art was more than a hobby—it was a necessity. It became a way to express emotions and ideas that words could not capture. As he grew, Sphesihle found inspiration not only in the world around him but also in the works of renowned artists. Influences such as Diane Victor, Azael Langa, and Nelson Makamo shaped his creative approach, but it was the resilience of ordinary people that truly fueled his imagination. Everyday moments—filled with unspoken emotion—became the foundation of his work.
Sphesihle’s medium of choice is as extraordinary as his story. Using candle smoke on tissue paper, he creates artworks that capture the delicate balance between fragility and strength. The unpredictable nature of fire mirrors the chaos and beauty of life, leaving marks on the paper that no brush could replicate. For Sphesihle, it’s not just a process—it’s a partnership with the flame, embracing its imperfections and allowing them to tell a story alongside his own.