Picture this, it’s Friday and the clock just striked to the 17th hour of the day. You’ve finally closed your laptop and you’re catching up to another drop of Five @ Five, featuring Blessing Rooi.

On todays episode, we have Soweto born and based artist Kamohelo, Blessing Rooi and we’ll be taking a deep dive into his work and what inspires him.

1. Growing up in Soweto, would you say that your environment and surrounding inspired your art journey?

Indeed, growing up in Soweto has been a source of inspiration throughout my life. For me Soweto represents the spirit of Ubuntu and resilience. I feel empowered and motivated to be born and raised in Soweto. My environment and surroundings played a vital role in my artistic journey. I am inspired by the simple things in life like having to witness the importance of friends and family.

2. How do you use art as a medium to visually describe your day to day interactions or surroundings?

I am currently developing a body of work titled Kasiflavor. Kasiflavor is a series of paintings that depicts my environment and surroundings. I felt the need to celebrate people around me, like friends, family to people who create space for others to co exist. The importance of this series is to show that as human beings we need our family and friends as pillars of support, especially in difficult times. Having a strong network of a supportive family and friends helps enhance our mental well being.

3. I noticed that your chosen medium of choice is acrylic pain on canvas, have you explored other mediums and if so, how has the experience been?

Before working with acrylic paints, I used charcoal and soft pastels as a medium of choice. The experience of working with dry mediums such as charcoal and soft pastels has been therapeutic and fun. Through charcoal drawings, I was able to learn about light and tone, line, shape, volume, pattern, texture, composition, narrative. All of these elements developed my observation and imagination.

4. What does your art represent?

My art is a reflection of society and the culture. It helps us understand what we are as human beings. It also influences how we relate to each other. Art is an expression of my inner thoughts and experiences.

5. Bonus question, are there other art forms your exploring apart from being a painter? If so, what are they and how do they tie back to your creative journey?

At the moment, I am still focusing on developing a sustainable and stable career as an artist. But in the future, I am looking forward to exploring other mediums of expressionism such as being an interior designer, sculpture and a DJ.

Thank you for tuning into today’s episode. Check out more of Blessings work here.