24 July 2024
Charles Kakomee showcases the transformative power of art by turning discarded pieces of metals into eye catching sculptures. A Mbanderu native who hails from Kareng village in the North West District, Charles spoke to The Patriot about his passion for the arts.
Where others see bits and pieces of useless scrap metal destined for the scrap heap, Charles uses these raw materials for the new Omukaendu o Tjitenda ( ‘a woman of steel’) Project.
Charles explains that the OMukaendu o Tjitenda Project where he designed a Mbanderu woman using scrap metals is inspired by women and appreciates the strength of the African woman.
“My art is inspired by people around me, my life and culture,” he explains.
Charles says a trip to Zimbabwe, where he was invited to perform at a poetry event, sparked his desire to make sculptures from scrap metals.
“A drive through the streets of Harare reignited my passion for sculptures,’’ he says.
“Growing up, I used to design these metal sculptures. Even when I graduated from teacher training college, my project was a sculpture made from metals,’’ he recalls.
The multilingual poet says he had neglected his passion for sculptures for years, instead opting to focus on poetry.
“This year, I decided to revisit my love of metals, a return to me, the sculptor who creates work out of metals.”
Charles explains he doesn’t paint his artwork because he wants to tell stories through the work. He says the pieces of metal he uses have usually been exposed to the harsh elements, such as extreme heat and rain, but when brought together artistically, result in aesthetically pleasing pieces of art.
Charles’ first lot of sculptures were on display and sold at the Mbanderu Cultural Festival in Sehithwa earlier this year. He also exhibited his work at the just ended Makgadikgadi Epic this month.
Source: https://thepatriot.co.bw/kakomee-turns-discarded-metals-into-beautiful-sculptures/
