Khulekani Msweli – Artist/Designer/Entrepreneur
“I was born 1984 in the farming town of Vuvulane, Swaziland. I completed his high school at Waterford Kamhlaba, Swaziland. Through my passion for art and fashion, I went on to study art and fashion design in England. In 2006 I completed a Diploma in Art and Design at Southport College, UK. I then went on to study towards a BA(Hons.) degree in Fashion Design with Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. In 2007, London, I was awarded with the Fashion Designers and Crafters (FDC), Avant-Garde Young Designer of the Year Award. In 2010 I launched my own fashion label, JEREMPAUL, which has been showcased during London Fashion Week, and also the recipient of two business awards. To further enhance my knowledge in the arts, I have travelled extensively within Europe, USA, The Middle East and Africa.
Since returning to Swaziland, in 2010, I have been able to concentrate more time and energy on pursuing visual arts. In terms of visual arts, I focus primarily on contemporary art installations, sculptures and photography.
I draw inspiration from the world around me – current affairs, social issues, and artwork of all mediums – and am especially interested in portraying the ever-present dichotomy between ‘traditional’ and ‘contemporary’. My Christian faith and sense of humour add quirk to my inspirations. I have developed an interesting way of combining materials, through my design and proportion (necessary for my fashion), which influence my work in visual arts. I see potential in all stimuli. I am unique in my ability to explore the bridge between ancient and modern thought processes, rituals, styles, and cultures – a dichotomy which is especially relevant in Swaziland. My artwork functions to express my perspective or ideas, or to provoke the audience to explore their own. My artwork is also meant to be seen, inspire, catalyze, challenge, and illustrate the happenings of everyday life. I have exhibited locally and internationally, both solo and group exhibitions.
My design and art abilities has made me one of Swaziland’s rising creative entrepreneurs. I am currently running JEREMPAUL design studio in Vuvulane, Swaziland.”
Contact: +268 76306944 // facebook & Instagram: khulekani msweli //
You can view Khulekani’s work online at www.yeboswaziland.com and at Yebo Art Gallery on Mpumalanga Road in Ezulwini.