Dineo Bopapa: I first came into contact with art when I was a little girl, Gcina Mhlope (a South African famous for her story telling and performing art) drew a picture of me reading a book, since that time I started sketching and drawing. I didn’t always want to be an artist though, I went through a series of careers options- I wanted to be a magician at one point and fashion also intrigued me for quite some time. After high school I went to the Durban Institute of Technology, where I completed my BTech degree in fine arts.

Sisanda: It is you first time working at the studios, which artists have you come into contact with that you connect with ?

D.B.: I haven’t seen many artists’ works except for Nandipha Mntambo; I like her persistence and faith she dedicates to her works, she has an unusual confidence. I like the erotic elements evident in her work- her chose of material, the cow hide skin is sensual in a non traditional way. I also like Mpho Ngwenya’s sculptures. I like the way he builds a big piece from small elements… Ndikhumbule Ngqinambi’s use of contrast in his work, the use of light and darkness interests me. I admire how he mixes familiar everyday elements with the things that are almost extra ordinary

Sisanda: What expectations did you have of the studios, have you felt the space has lived up to your expectations?

D.B.: I just wanted a place to work but Greatmore offered to give me more support then I asked- it was quite a surprise to get some support with material and administrative help as well. Being a visiting artist here has given me a space to work. I live with other people where I stay and it can get hard when other people are around. For me Greatmore has provided a place for me to work without interruption – my need for some privacy was fulfilled.

Sisanda: Let’s go back to the art Dineo. Talk us through your choice of medium and your artistic concerns.

D.B.: I work with video, found objects and paint, incorporating various words- I really like to change from one medium to the next depending on what I want my work to say. Sticking to one technique can really inhibit you from growing and exploring. I like the quality of the media I use. My work explores themes around power, sex, loneliness, anger, tension, discomfort- things that have in essence happened to me. I take things from my personal life experiences as well as from my friends. For me my artwork is about making sense of the world. My current work attempts to engage and have relevance to the city.

With an oeuvre that consists of seemingly random drawings, paintings and doodles assembled together June saw Polokwane born artist Dineo Bopape take a month long residency at Greatmore Studios. Bopape has prior to her brief return to South Africa been living and working in the Amsterdam where she was resident at Thami Mnyele Studios. Former Thami Mnyele residents include Moshekwa Langa, Nicolas Hlobo and Doreen Southwood. Dineo is also one of the nominees for the MTN New Artist Award that looks to develop the creative ambitions of young professional South African artists. Recently she exhibited work at the KZNSA Gallery in Durban. Earlier this year she participated in a group exhibition featuring South Africa’s most accomplished emerging artists in Siena, alongside contemporary and resident artist Nandipha Mntambo.