By Khaya Ndaba
East Rand artist Mncedisi “King” Nkosi shook off the shackles of substance abuse and depression to become a popular visual artist.
The 29-year-old Nkosi, who is based in Springs in Ekurhuleni, focuses on drawing portraits in black and white. He uses charcoal on paper for his realistic depictions of people.
“I used to work for the insurance company B-Sure Africa, when the business suddenly moved its offices from Springs to Bedfordview,” he said.
In 2018 he found himself in the ranks of the unemployed.
“I felt stranded. There were no companies hiring and I had no money to survive,” he said.
“I got involved in drugs. I found myself depressed and at the mercy of substances. Luckily I [turned to] my art, and that literally saved my life.”
More people are recognising his work, and Nkosi is now getting six to 10 clients a month. He uses his network of friends and family as well as social media to get commissions for new artworks.
When asked what his journey and that difficult period of his life taught him, he said: “Art taught me the meaning of patience. During the Covid-19 lockdown I was struggling to make money, but my friends and family encouraged me to keep pushing forward.”
When the restrictions were lifted he was able to bounce back.
“Now I’m looking to the future.”
He is aiming to open an art studio where he can create and sell new works and also teach others about the importance of art as a healing tool.
Pictured above: Mncedisi Nkosi and his art
Image source: Khaya Ndaba
