SA artist lights up Broadway

In October 1981 farm labourer Nukain Mabuza was buried at the Emjindini cemetery in Barberton, Mpumalanga, in a grave with only a reference number.

But now, the life story of this talented but little recognised painter is heading for Broadway after capturing the attention of Athol Fugard.

Mabuza's most striking work was his painted garden at his home on Revolver Creek farm, near Barberton. In the 1970s he painted all the rocks on a koppie at the farm in a vivid array of colours and designs.

Some years ago Fugard, 82, South Africa's most famous playwright, fell in love with the story of the farm labourer who devoted all his spare time to painting.

"In 2009 I made an attempt to tell Nukain's story, exploring the world of an artist with the focus on the individual," said Fugard. "Without much faith in the final product, I did not release the play. Now, six years later, the environment of present-day South Africa made me realise the true potential of Nukain's story."

The Painted Rocks at Revolver Creek focuses on Mabuza's struggles as an artist in apartheid South Africa. It will debut at the prestigious Pershing Square Signature Centre in New York on April 21 and will run until May 31.

John Clarke, the only person to have documented Mabuza's life, said his painted-stone garden has been recognised as an unusual and important work of art since the artist's death but has become derelict.

"For the past 30 years the stone garden has been abandoned to the elements - apart from one attempt to repaint the stones - and little of it remains in its original state," said Clarke.

Barberton Tourism project manager Astrid Christianson said: "It is a tragedy that [Mabuza] has received no recognition because his style has inspired a whole new generation of artists. His work is the inspiration behind everything from the Barberton Tourism logo to motifs at the Mbombela Stadium and in the Mpumalanga government buildings."

Christianson kick-started development of the Barberton Gateways, stone gardens painted in Mabuza's distinctive and vivid style, which welcome tourists to the town.

"I am delighted and very thankful that Nukain will get the exposure he deserves and that his story will travel all the way to New York," she said.

African Eye News Service