Lenasia came alive with an explosion of colour, craft and creativity this Heritage Day, as more than 2,000 visitors attended the LenzArtExpo at Park Primary School.
The exhibition, hosted in partnership with Lenz70 and Awqaf SA, showcased the work of 32 artists — 22 from Lenasia and 10 from surrounding areas including Laudium, Soweto, Roodepoort, Norwood, Mayfair, Hammanskraal, Mondeor and Fourways.
Event PRO Asma Moolla said the organisers were “overwhelmed by the public response and positive feedback both from visitors and the artists themselves.”
“Kids were entertained and educated, residents were deeply impressed with the skills of local artists, and exhibitors went home feeling appreciated,” Moolla said.
“Most of the artists were able to sell some of their art pieces, which means a lot for the young and upcoming stars.”
Lenz70 convenor Dr Ismail Vadi praised the creativity of local talent:
“There’s unbelievable talent in our community. We are pleased that our artists had an opportunity to celebrate Lenasia’s 70-year history by displaying their work here.”
Artists ranged widely in age and background from the youngest exhibitor, 12-year-old Nuha Tayob, to retired professionals such as teachers Russel Abrahams and Krish Patel.
The exhibition brimmed with variety: watercolours, calligraphy, charcoal portraits, acrylics, oils, dot art, abstracts, string-and-nail art, quilling, ceramic painting, sketches and drawings. Asgar Thokan’s painted car models and pieces from the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s scholars drew particular interest among the younger crowd.
Moolla added: “The LenzArtExpo was the perfect way to celebrate Heritage Day showcasing the diverse art and vibrant spirit of our community.”
