African Heritage and Creating Art with Moeketsi Moahloli
South African artist Moeketsi Moahloli was born in Soweto and his chosen art mediums are charcoals, soft pastels, newspaper and acrylic paint. His work is unique to our urban life and absorbs creative energy from the diversity of our culture – especially in Soweto at grass roots level. Matoyana Media spoke to Moeketsi about his African heritage and creating art.
How did you get to be an artist and work in the mediums you do – newspaper is particularly interesting?
I studied Multimedia Design at the University of Johannesburg then I worked as a graphic designer for six years. I went back to doing fine art after working as a designer. Using newspaper is an element which represents news or stories; I use it in my art because it adds content to my art, thus giving the finished artwork a lot of depth.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It’s a good thing because it teaches African Americans about their origins and that they are Africans and we are one. African Americans are looked up upon by many Africans across the world, due to the fact that they are living in a first 
world country. They can bring a lot of change if they were to invest in Africa.
How important is it to use democratic rights and make our voices heard?
It’s important that we vote because that’s the only way to ensure we elect the right people who have the country’s best interest at heart.
How does being African impact on your work and the themes of your art?
Being African has a great impact on my work because I get share stories of African people from my own social environment and country.
What is your wish for African’s from all over the world?
My wish is for Africans is to unite and build one united Africa and stop the wars and diesel that plague Africa.
As an artist / entrepreneur what would you like to learn about taking your business to the next level?
It’s important to learn about accounting systems and marketing my company.
Who are your heroes?
My hero in life is my late mother Keneiloe Moahloli, who was a single loving mother. My heroes in art are, Edward Selematsela, Eiichiro Oda, Osamu Tezuka, Spike Lee , Disney and Marvel studios.
Contact Moeketsi Moahloli on: kekemoahloli@gmail.com
See more of Moeketsi’s work here: https://www.artunderthesun.co.za/artists/moeketsi-moahloli
