In this episode, I speak with Blessing Ngobeni a fine artist who creates abstract works of art with a variety of different objects. Blessing is known for his distinctive style, created with layers of exaggerated figures and contradictory images, He uses his expressionist paintings not only to overtly critique the current status quo but to ask uncomfortable questions about the African’s experience of the world.

Blessing's recent works delve into the idea of Africa's haunting past that he uses to criticize the current political and socio-economic state of the continent, attributing it to its colonial past. His aim is to emphasize the ongoing impact of colonialism on Africa and provoke reflection on the need for change. 

He aims to prompt viewers to reevaluate their understanding of Africa's history and its present realities.

In this episode, we also talk about:

• The dire need for leadership on the continent 
• Learning to understand life as an observer without being hardened by it
• Removing fear by choosing to show up in life as yourself
• Going to prison at the age of 15 and falling in love with art
• Working as a storyboard artist
• His art style and influences 
• The Blessing Ngobeni Art Prize annual program

You can connect with Blessing at https://www.instagram.com/ngobeniblessing/ and through his website at https://blessingngobeni.com/