Blessing Rooi captures capture Soweto’s nocturnal charm through his art
Kamohelo Blessing Rooi focuses his work on his personal connection to Soweto township. Rooi primarily works in Acrylic on Canvas, exploring Soweto’s emotional landscape through his series of artworks.
His paintings, sourced from personal experiences and photo collections, capture Soweto’s nocturnal charm with vibrant colours and flat brush strokes. Rooi’s art strikes a balance between memory and interpretation, portraying intimate moments and figures against the backdrop of Soweto’s diverse community.
How would you introduce yourself to someone you’ve just met ?
When meeting someone new, I like to start by introducing myself warmly. I’d say something like, “Hey there, I’m Blessing Rooi. I’m an artist living and working in Soweto.” To make the person feel even more at ease, I’d also offer a genuine compliment based on their personality or characteristics, so that’s usually how my conversations with new people go.
At what age did you start painting?
From a very young age, drawing was my passion. I remember using my mother’s notebooks and even drawing on the walls, which often got me in trouble with my grandmother. But it wasn’t until I turned 20, during the pandemic in 2020, that I started painting professionally. Affording art materials was a challenge, given their expense, but I managed to gather what I needed to begin my practice. I experimented with various mediums, including acrylics, charcoal, and soft pastels, honing my skills in both dry and wet techniques. That’s when my journey as an artist truly began.
You first started with using charcoal and soft pastels before moving into acrylic paints, what is your style of creating and what does your creative process look like?
Before I start painting , my first step is always stretching the canvas. Once that’s done, I move on to priming the canvas with gesso. I prefer using an orange tarnish color for priming because it supports skin tones and serves as a base for the colors I’ll apply later. My inspiration comes from various sources, including Instagram and my personal photo collection. I enjoy depicting elements of our culture and exploring different themes. When it comes to technique, I primarily work with acrylics on canvas. I love how fast acrylics dry, allowing me to express myself in a natural and swift manner. This approach guides my creative process.
As an independent artist how do you go about being exhibited in galleries and how have you been finding the experience ?
Oh, what a journey it’s been—a mix of beauty and challenges. Yet, I must say, we’re truly fortunate to live in this era of abundant exposure, especially through platforms like social media. Instagram, in particular, has been great for me in showcasing my work. It’s where I caught the eye of curators and directors, which led me to opportunities like exhibiting at galleries such as the Ebony Curated in Cape Town. Through social media promotion, especially on Instagram, I’ve been able to navigate this path and even collaborate with The Manor x Kasi Flavour for a show. It’s been quite the process, all thanks to the power of online self-promotion.
How has it been like to monetize your art?
Through the exhibitions I’ve held since last year, I’ve been fortunate to find success. My first exhibition took place at Keyes Art Mile , followed by another in Cape Town. These shows allowed me to earn enough to meet some personal needs, which was a significant achievement. However, selling my works directly through platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, or email has posed challenges. Many people are hesitant to believe that an independent artist like myself, without formal training, could price a canvas sized 50 to 60 centimeters at R14,000. Yet, exhibiting these works in person makes it easier for collectors to appreciate and support emerging artists like me. That’s how I’ve managed to sustain myself financially through these exhibitions.
How did Rekaofela - A blessing Rooi exhibition pop-up happen?
My journey towards a more professional art practice began in 2023, specifically in January. Inspired by the works of Kabelo, the founder of Kasi Flavour 10, I started drawing inspiration from his photographs to express the essence of our culture, particularly in football, fashion, and the lifestyle of black people.
These pieces garnered significant attention and success. I had the opportunity to exhibit some of them alongside Trevor during our Heritage Day celebrations in September last year, and others were featured in an exhibition curated by Ebony Curated. Continuing with my artistic journey, I found myself frequently turning to Kabelo’s photo books for inspiration. It was during this time that Trevor Stuurman noticed my work and expressed eagerness to collaborate on a show. Coincidentally, Kabelo had just returned from Ivory Coast and was eager to showcase his latest clothing designs. Seeing the synergy between my football-inspired artwork and Kabelo’s fashion, Trevor facilitated a collaboration between us. The resulting exhibition was nothing short of a blessing, perfectly aligning with the theme and purpose. Trevor curated the show, which coincided with the launch of his book, resulting in a resounding success.
What/who inspires you and what do you wish to accomplish in the next 5 years?
I find inspiration in the everyday life that surrounds me, especially in Soweto, where I both live and work. Being immersed in this environment makes inspiration readily available to me. I draw my creative energy from our rich black culture, aiming to celebrate and elevate the black experience, reclaiming spaces that have long been neglected. Exploring our lifestyles, traditions, and the essence of how we carry ourselves fuels my artistic journey.
Nelson Makamo has been a significant influence on my path as an artist. Discovering his art page on social media at the age of 14 sparked my interest in art and ignited my desire to pursue it as a career. Now, looking forward, my goal for the next five years is to establish sustainability within the art industry for myself. I aspire to have the freedom to express myself authentically while remaining true to my artistic vision.
Furthermore, I envision a future where institutions like museums actively empower artists like myself, exhibiting our work in prestigious spaces and collecting our pieces. As I strive for success as an independent artist, I aim to build bridges that assist young artists from disadvantaged backgrounds, nurturing their talent and connecting them with the right audiences, clients, collectors, and institutions. My ultimate ambition is to contribute to the development of a sustainable art ecosystem in South Africa, one that rivals those in Europe and America, generating economic growth by supporting living artists and directing wealth back into our communities.
