Bheki Mtetwa

 

Bheki Mtetwa is a water-colourist born in 1980 at Mevamhlophe, a rural area close to Empangeni in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. He attended his Primary School at Thembalihle and completed at Mathinta High School.

 

As a teenager he used to admire portrait artists sketching at the Durban Beach Front. He then bought himself his first sketch pad and pencils producing his first self-portrait, at the age of 20. He went for training at Bat Centre (Durban), training in Visual Arts. The panel was impressed with the quality of his work and was selected to join the program for one year. Afterwards he began working from portraying people and venturing into sign writing.

 

With a good portfolio in his back pack in 2004 he moved to Johannesburg.

Bheki visited libraries spending time learning how to draw and sketch, he fell in love with art books. He joined CICI in Hillbrow and took art classes there. He then joined Little artist Outreach Program, he started to sell paintings local and international and venturing into watercolour medium, he got selected to showcase his work at Zoo Lake (artist under the sun) participating in so many exhibitions including art competitions.

 

Bheki’s story is one of pursuing dreams and following your calling at all costs.  He is a true inspiration of an artist who followed his dream.

 

 

Artistic Experience

 

Art Organisation Creative World

Position Trainer

Responsibilities Tutoring Youths at the Weilel’s Farm Community Centre

Tutoring Youths at the Abraham Kriel Orphanage

Tutoring Youths at the Emndeni Children’s Home

 

 

Art Achievements

 

Outstanding Artwork 2007 Deutsch bank

Excellent Artwork 2008 Deutsch bank

6th Black Like Us Art Exhibition most improved artist 2009

10th Black Like Us Art Exhibition 3rd place for excellence 2013

Deutsch Bank Artist of the year 2010