Interview
Mmapaseka Mokhonoana
Mmapaseka Mokhonoana was exposed to art at a very young age. She began exploring, creating and immersing herself in the world of art. In primary school, she entered art competitions, where her art typically had nature as the main theme. In high school, she would go to the library to explore more about art by studying books on art history.
Mmapaseka searched for other outlets to create art, without completely leaving the art world. Her interest in technology led her to the multimedia design and production in 2011. This experience taught her how to use both worlds to explore diverse methods of creating art. She has seen individual’s lives impacted and changed by the art created from different methods and elements.
Mmapaseka currently enjoys working as a graphic designer, illustrator and animator.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was exposed to art since I was quite small. I was influenced by my mother, who, at a young age was taught how to make clothing by her grandmother, and later on made a decision to study industrial fashion production.
In high school, I would get immersed in the images of art books. It gave me a sense of happiness and belonging. Ever since primary school, I had a need to be an artist. Unfortunately, my family did not support me in studying fine arts, making it difficult for me to live as an artist. That is what led me to venture into the multimedia design and production world, an area I was also interested in.
Along the journey, I fell ill. It took 7 years to adjust, and through this process, I learned to let go, and find my peace and freedom in God and in art.
What inspires you most?
“I find inspiration from the Holy Spirit. He is everywhere, and we can reach out to him. He is the source of hydration, a source for cleansing, restoration, and a way to free ourselves from bondage and find true rest. This is shown through the elements of water, light and circular shapes. I use saturated colours, calm, warm colours, as a sign of hope when creating art. Nature and the experience of everyday life are a great source of reference.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The human condition is interesting. It is intriguing in all elements of life and spirituality. As human beings, we all have inner struggles, fighting ourselves all the time and in all aspects of our own lives. As a Christian, I struggle with my human condition every single moment, and I always go to Jesus Christ to resolve this inner war, looking to have peace. These themes continuously reside within me. I’m always exploring them, attempting to have a deeper search. It is my intention to express, convey and portray all these realities in my art.”
How would you describe your work?
“The art I create must express the struggle, hope and peace. It must enable the individual or aesthete to question self. It takes life, when viewed from the individual's perspective, relating to daily inward conversions that the individual has within them. They must not see just the semblance.”
“I have joy in knowing that God is in Art, and this is shown through nature and in every human being. For me, Genesis 1 and John 4:10 reminds me of that. All forms of art have a foundation and were made/created out of Love.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I don't really have a specific artist that influences my work. Different artists’ work captivate me, but artwork from the expressionism/futurism movement has a huge influence.”
What is your creative process like?
“I use nature and the human body as reference. I mostly use fine liner, A2 pencils, A4 and A5 to make drafts of the story I am narrating. I experiment with different paintbrushes, like watercolour brushes, and I’ve even used hair pieces in some artworks. Sometimes I transform the artwork to digital format. I love it when I am free to explore with different materials.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist has to show people's realities, those that they are reluctant or fearful to face. The impact an artist makes through their work should enable the aesthete and other individuals to change the view of the world they live in, not only psychically but in all aspects: spiritual, mental and emotional. Art should challenge people’s everyday life by making them question the society they live in.
Art is reaching homes, the streets and embracing technology too in interactive art pieces. Art grows. Society is ever-changing, and so is an artist and their artwork. This is explored daily in the unique experiences we each have. An artist is able to interact with each experience, and is able to create art that is relatable to the uniqueness of an individual's and aesthete's experience. An artist deepens the connection to each person, and this helps to tell stories through generations, whether it is about an individual or group of people that are unable to fully convey their message for themselves. The artist expresses how they felt at that time, or captures how they truly view the society in which they live in.”
