Honest strokes….. One art piece at a time !

By Mrs M

Meet Honest Lihle Mhlanga, the quiet force reshaping Eswatini's art landscape, one captivating canvas at a time. 

More than just pretty pictures, his art whispers and shouts the stories etched in memory and the urgent truths of his society. 

Crowned the nation's most sought-after artist at auction, Honest's journey from hushed beginnings to international whispers is a testament to talent laced with unwavering purpose.

With just paper or canvas, he transforms humble materials into valuable art using pencils and brushes, a skill that has positioned him as a highly sought-after creative within the Kingdom of Eswatini.

Operating under the brand Honest Artworks, Mhlanga has not only monetized his artistic creations but has also proudly represented Eswatini on the international stage, notably through exhibitions in neighbouring South Africa where his distinct pieces consistently garner attention.

Despite his achievements, he remains driven to contribute further to the fine art landscape, prioritizing consistency and the maintenance of his artistic standards.

His artistic wellspring flows from the women and children who shaped his world. Raised in a strong matriarchal environment, their resilience and vulnerability pulse through his work.

“My inspiration has always been women and children,” Honest once shared.

“ Their strength, their fragility, it's the essence of our shared narrative, and I want my art to honour that.”. His canvases become soulful windows into the emotional and spiritual heart of Eswatini.

In 2022, the clink of the auctioneer's hammer echoed across the room as one of Honest's pieces fetched a remarkable E75,000.

Yet, for him, the number is merely a footnote to the years of unwavering dedication, the courage to take artistic leaps, and the deep wellspring of his authentic voice. 

His exhibitions, like the deeply personal ‘Pieces of Me’ and its follow-up, offered glimpses into the artist's evolving self.

 “ I wanted to reveal the unspoken parts of me,” he explained. Honest's artistry extends beyond the gallery walls; it's a potent form of activism. 

Collaborating with entities like the European Union and Yebo Art Gallery, his exhibitions have shone a light on critical issues like gender-based violence, even raising significant funds for local support systems. 

“ I believe artists have a duty to speak out,” he once asserted with conviction. “If our work can stir hearts and minds, then we must use that power.”

His pieces often portray the quiet strength of Eswatini women, the solitary world of childhood, and the delicate dance between tradition and modernity. 

He doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths; instead, he embraces them.

Despite his own soaring success, Honest remains grounded in the realities faced by his fellow artists in Eswatini. He speaks candidly about the inconsistent support and the lack of structural foundations for visual artists.

 “We are perhaps the only creatives who offer something timeless when hired,yet we are often the least valued.” He has said it time and again.

He passionately advocates for national galleries, increased public investment in the arts, and a stronger infrastructure to nurture emerging talent.

Looking ahead, Honest dreams of sharing his vision on global stages, from the bustling art scene of New York to the vibrant galleries of Dakar.

 He also holds a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of Eswatini artists. 

His advice to young creatives is simple yet profound: “ Stay true to your unique voice, remain original. Don't chase fleeting trends, never, ever give up. The path may feel solitary and slow, but if your passion burns bright, keep walking.” 

Honest Lihle Mhlanga has undoubtedly become a national treasure, but he's not one to rest on accolades.

 Instead, he's actively painting a future where art isn't a peripheral luxury in Eswatini, but a vital thread in its cultural and economic fabric. 

His brushstrokes continue to resonate sometimes with a gentle whisper, sometimes with a bold declaration but always, undeniably, with honesty.