Friday, March 29, 2024

Presidents Marvel at Young Artist’s Drawing Talent

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Stanbic Bank Zambia Chief Executive Charles Mudiwa presents a portrait by Silvester Mali of South African President Jacob Zuma and President Edgar Chagwa Lungu

A 23-year-old local artist has won admiration of President Edgar Lungu after he drew life-like impressions depicting the Zambian Head of State along with his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma.
Silvester Mali’s drawings were presented as gifts to both presidents at a luncheon when President Zuma was in the country recently as a guest of honour at the official opening of the 91st Agricultural and Commercial Show in Lusaka.
Stanbic Bank sponsored the young artist to draw impressions of President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and South African President Jacob Zuma, which were be presented as gifts to the two heads of state.
As the gifts were presented, President Lungu, who marveled at the realistic impressions, asked to see and congratulate the artist.
“It was a humbling experience because I had no idea the President was going to call me over,” said Silvester.
“I am grateful for the support I receive from Stanbic Bank. I hope that many companies can emulate the support that Stanbic gives to artists. It can create a platform for people to appreciate art, which I feel generally doesn’t get as much recognition as it deserves in Zambia. It can also be a platform for artists to grow more,” he added.
President Lungu encouraged the young artist to continue with his good works, adding that artists needed more exposure to grow.
Stanbic Public Relations and Communications Manager Chanda Chime-Katongo said the bank was keen to promote all forms of art in Zambia.
“Stanbic is an avid supporter of the arts. Whether it is music, paintings, or theatre, it inspires and connects people to what they care about in one form or the other. When we see inspiring talent, we are proud to empower and grow that talent,” she said.
Last year Silvester made a drawing of the iconic music group UB40, which was autographed by members of the band and displayed at the Stanbic Bank Private Banking Suite at Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka before being auctioned. The proceeds from the auction were channeled to a charity and the talent behind the art. Ashwini Sagar, a Ndola businessman, bought the drawing for K10,000 at the auction.
With no prior professional training, apart from the technical drawing and art classes he undertook in secondary school, Silvester is a self-taught art prodigy with a deep love for art and wildlife art, in particular.
It is a passion that found its way to the surface when he was just 14, with the young artist landing his first major project working on a calendar for charity two years later.
Silvester hopes to use his talent to inspire fellow youths to follow their dreams and also to undertake more charity work as he grows as an artist.

South African President Jacob Zuma, President Edgar Chagwa Lungu and Stanbic Bank Zambia Chief Executive Charles Mudiwa congratulate artist Silvester Mali on his portrait of the two heads of state.

6 COMMENTS

  1. Two cartoon presidents? Anyone can draw these bums. Try drawing Mandela and Kaunda and Nyerere. That will be real good art

  2. Two cartoon presidents? Anyone can draw these dander heads. Try drawing Mandela and Kaunda and Nyerere. That will be real good art

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