By: Abigirl Phiri
Worth Noting:
- Under these harsh circumstances, Regis noted that political instability in Zimbabwe also pushed him to migrate to South Africa where he is currently living. Worth noting, up to now he is teaching art in South Africa at a junior school. In the year 2008 when things were so tough in Zimbabwe, at that particular point in time Regis hung his art boots and even went on to apply to join the Zimbabwe National Army.
- However, it is said a true creative can never give up on his dreams. This is because the passion to tell a story runs hot in his or her blood. For that reason, Regis took up where he had left off.
Facebook is working its wonders in connecting people to their friends, business, and passion. As a result, this is how l personally found the good works being done by Regis Manja. One can tell a story through visual arts and this exactly is the case with the multitalented Regis Manja. Truth be told, Regis is an affable fellow who sees the world in a different way, which he captures through his African art or murals. All this he depicts in an aesthetically pleasing way in his sculptures, paintings, ceramics, graphic art and murals.
Regis notes that he got inspiration from Sylvester Mubayi, a first Zimbabwean-generation stone sculptor. This is because in this life you have to draw inspiration from somewhere. Thus, Regis’s visual artistry journey has been colorful given he has received a plethora of awards in sculpture and painting. Some of these awards have been from prestigious boards like the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, which is the dream of many visual artists to get recognition from highly acclaimed institutions. The icing on the cake he has participated in a number of exhibitions both in Zimbabwe and abroad over the years. Furthermore, his artworks have been sold and now rest on walls and galleries of many countries such as America, UK and Australia to name but just a few.
Retrospectively, Regis noted after high school his parents sent him to do an agricultural course in which he was equally good at. Consequently, they wanted him to broaden his options with regards to how he would get his source of living. In addition, after finishing his art studies at BAT Visual Arts Studios he moved to South Africa looking for greener pastures. Needless to mention, the exodus of Zimbabweans to South Africa has been prevalent since the beginning of time.
Under these harsh circumstances, Regis noted that political instability in Zimbabwe also pushed him to migrate to South Africa where he is currently living. Worth noting, up to now he is teaching art in South Africa at a junior school. In the year 2008 when things were so tough in Zimbabwe, at that particular point in time Regis hung his art boots and even went on to apply to join the Zimbabwe National Army.
However, it is said a true creative can never give up on his dreams. This is because the passion to tell a story runs hot in his or her blood. For that reason, Regis took up where he had left off. Thankfully up to this very moment, he
still paints and sculpts to his heart’s content. Interestingly, he sees himself opening a very big art center in his hometown Marondera, a quiet and neat place where he grew up. For all intents and purposes, he wants to give back to his hometown for his big dream is to teach underprivileged children on a voluntary basis.
Frankly speaking, I was pleased with Regis Manja artworks and the way he approaches life. This easygoing way of seeing things is how he translates life to his art. I must say the artworks speak volumes for they are vividly done with a skillful hand that pays attention to detail and technique. In a way, Regis artworks are life-changing for he is also upholding the doctrine of ekphrasis. When gifted with such an
innate talent it is a shame to let it go to waste by not utilizing it. The beauty of life is enhanced by artists who capture moments and immortalize them on paper, walls and different objects. Indeed, this is proof of Regis’s fantastic artistry for in every artwork he makes a firm statement. We give glory to God who bestowed such astounding talents to individuals like Regis who is doing the honors to share his work with all and sundry. To all people interested in getting in touch with him, +27 71 733 9800 is his direct line for calls and WhatsApp. In addition on Facebook, he goes by his given name Regis Manja. Undoubtedly, he is one of the best of the best. A visual artist Dr. who has raised the bar high by painting a container. The level of such artistry is breath taking for Regis’s artworks can take you to places you have never been before. Henceforth, never underestimate the power of the brush held by a visual artist.
Mt Kenya Times