Interview
Arabang Raditapole
Arabang Raditapole is an emerging South African contemporary artist who was born and raised in Lesotho. She currently resides at Daveyton, Gauteng.
She is best known for her colorful abstract paintings, spontaneous realism portraits, and pop art. She never received formal training in painting; she’s a self-taught artist who started painting professionally in April 2017. Her passion for art started from an early age, as most of her free time as a child was consumed by drawing sketches and designing clothes.
Arabang works with a variety of media - mainly painting, collecting recycled material to make mixed media art, and she also customizes people’s clothes with their own portraits or with their favorite celebrity to make spontaneous realism portraits. Acrylics, oil pastels and charcoal are her favorite medium to use. Arabang likes painting with a purpose, all her paintings have a story to tell, and she is inspired by nature and people’s emotions. She enjoys experimenting; her art is constantly evolving. Her future goal is to touch people with her art, all over the world, by having exhibitions worldwide. She intends to arrange a solo exhibition about her Sesotho culture and its history in the near future.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I have always been an artistic child growing up, but I never really took it seriously. I used to do sketches and design clothes just for fun. I have never taken any art class at school, and am a self-taught artist. I went to university to study Chemical Engineering, but when I was forced to drop out due to financial constraints, I used art to escape from the dark place I was in. Painting really rescued me from the depression I was going through during that time.
My family and close friends would comment on how good my artwork was, so I then decided to open social media pages where I posted most of my artwork. People started buying and commissioning my paintings, and I have never looked back! I have continued on this art journey since 2017.”
What inspires you most?
“Painting for me has been immensely therapeutic, as it allows me to express my raw emotions. I can tap into aspects of my being that words cannot convey. When I am going through some of the darkest patches of my life, I use painting to put all my emotions down on the canvas. Even when I am happy, I paint. Every aspect of my life that I am going through, inspires me to paint. My work is symbolic of the human experience, along with the shifting societal challenges for the everyday person. I also draw inspiration from nature when flowers are blooming, the bright colours inspires my abstract paintings.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“My current project, ‘Suri tribe’ is about the tribe that inhabits the mountains of the Great Rift Valley or Omo Region, Tulgit in the plains of south-western Ethiopia. The tribe undergo extremely painful rituals including lip plates, earlobe stretching, scarification and dangerous stick fighting. I love painting this tribe because I am inspired by how they are one of the last tribes that still practice old beliefs, and wear traditional clothing and accessories.
My other artwork draws inspiration from African women wearing headwraps (doek). Headwraps have been known to hold cultural and symbolic statement, they’re not just a beauty statement. In the past they signified uniform of rebellion, but in my Sotho culture they signify a sign of respect and humility.
My other favourite theme to paint is abstract art, where I paint to express the joy I feel around Spring and Summer. The bright flowers influence my colour pallet.”
“I am inspired by African women from all over the continent with their beauty and the depth of their culture.”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is very diverse and authentic, I have my own unique styles that say my name even before you zoom to see a signature - most of my supporters can now distinguish my art from other artists. I use acrylics and oil paints mostly to paint. My portraits are very African with touch of modern art. My abstract art is very vibrant, with bright colours to light up a person’s mood.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I am inspired most by Lee Krasner. She was an abstract expressionist, and one of the first female artists that changed the direction of art. I love how she changed her work style more often, and refused to adopt a singular style to avoid repetitive work. Her paintings are so active and energetic; you feel her personality and character in all her paintings.
Willem de Koonings' work also influences my work. I love how his paintings are so active, energetic, busy and with texture. My abstract expressionist work draws inspiration from his work.
Nelson Makamo also influences my work. I love how his paintings are relatable to my childhood, his portraits are always authentic and the emotions are so raw and deep.”
What is your creative process like?
“I never really plan my paintings when it comes to abstract, I let the canvas guide me in what I should paint, so sometimes I’ll just tell myself that I want to produce a painting with orange or pink as a dominant colour and then I let my creativity take over when painting. With portraits, I always plan on the muse I will use. I do the sketches first and then from there I decide on how I should paint. Sometimes my creativity is inspired by the current trends of art, or of famous artists that I am inspired by. ”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The artist’s role in society is to bring society together through art. Express the current issues happening in the country through their art. Mentor and guide children who are interested in taking art as their future career, show them that it’s possible to follow their passion and still be successful and happy.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have not yet had any noteworthy exhibitions, but there are few art galleries that have taken interest in my artwork that i am going to work with in the near future.”
Instagram: @arabang_art
Other: Twitter
