Mind Shana the self-taught Fine Artist

Mind Shana is a 28 year old self-taught Fine Artist originally from Malawi but currently based in Middleburg, Mpumalanga.

He is showcasing and selling his paintings at the Green Market at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival.

 It is Shana’s first time displaying his art work at the Fest this year and so far has sold over 10 paintings! He has also made contacts with important people in the art industry who are interested in his work. “I did not expect to sell so much so quickly and I had no idea things would turn out this good for me. The people here are so friendly and inspire me to work harder in pursuing my passion,” said Shana.

According to Shana, Grahamstown Arts Festival is a brilliant platform for artists of all genres to showcase their work. He says he is enjoying his time at the Festival and is sure to come every year from now on because of the amount of exposure and experience he is getting.

Shana made a bold move, leaving his accounting diploma studies to pursue his passion in art. He started painting in 2002 and became a commercial artist in 2003 and later became a fine artist in 2006.

Shana has participated in the BLU (Black like Us) art exhibition displaying his art work He has also won awards including highly commended painting 2007 and 2009 at the BLU Manor Gallery (WSSA).

by Akhona Valashiya