By TROY MUKUPA
The practice of making detailed graphite pencil drawings goes back to the 17th and 18th centuries when drawings were popular for portraits. A few hundred years later, contemporary artists in Zambia and across the globe are creating mesmerising portraits and drawings. One such artist who has mastered the art of pencil drawing, and has achieved a photographic level of realism in his drawings is Chingola born and raised, Benny Muma.
Benny, is a young hyperrealistic artist and Levy Mwanawasa Medical University (LMMU) student studying ‘Dental Therapy’, whose creativity-realistic art drawings have proven to be stunning masterpieces in the world of Artistry there by gaining him the attention of some renowned entertainment players, business owners and politicians. He is today among the most in-demand young Zambian portrait artists as he is known for his vibrant, expressive drawings that capture the human condition in all its complexity. One notable artwork that has earned him stripes is a drawing of an od woman holding a piece of glass where her younger image is reflected. The drawing tells of the importance of time.
He has also done portrait drawings for Leader of Opposition in Parliament and Mporokoso Member of Parliament in Brian Mundubile, Matero lawmaker in Miles Sampa and award winning heavyweight hip-hop artist in Marky 2. He recently did another stunning portrait drawing for opposition Socialist Party President in Fred M’membe, which he says is yet to be collected.
He acknowledged some challenges faced since he started using his art-drawing talent to help earn a living at the university, “It’s a struggle just to find clients/people who would want portraits of themselves done. Sometimes you do an artwork then it doesn’t get collected meaning it’s a loss on my part. But despite challenges, I still love doing it. I love drawing. Lastly I would really want to encourage fellow artist out there and other people to utilize there God given talent because you might never know where your talent might take you or what it can do to your life,” said Benny.
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