By Doreen Mokgolo
From packing fried chicken at a popular franchise to showcasing his art to the world, visual artist Vuyisile Adoons is building his international brand one painting at a time.
The 36-year-old from Rouxville in the Free State has been invited to exhibit his work at the New York Spring 2024 art exhibition in June organised by Artrevolution.
His paintings have also been selected to be exhibited at the United Nations headquarters in New York for eight weeks later this year.
Adoons has exhibited at the annual National Arts Festival in Grahamstown and some of his works have been bought by restaurants in Kruger National Park.
His work is based on the images he absorbed as a young boy who was raised by his grandparents on a farm and the realities of life in those villages.
In an interview with Scrolla.Africa, Adoons said his journey has not been a bed of roses.
“After completing my three-year diploma in Arts and Design at Central Johannesburg College I had to choose between being a homeless struggling artist or sacrificing my talent for survival.
“I went on to work in retail, packed fried chicken for two and a half years, and only painted as a side hustle,” he said.
In 2014 Adoons packed his bags and moved back to the Free State where, with the help of his friend and artist Mfundo Mbali, he applied himself to his painting career.
The artist said it is only through hard work, a lot of sacrifices and load-shedding that he is where he is today.
“I look forward to load shedding as this comes with a quiet period. I can come up with ideas and walk about the farm and nearby villages seeing my muse out and about in the open,” he said.
Pictured above: Artist Vuyisile Adoons.
Image source: Supplied
