Fhatuwani Mukheli loves nothing more than transporting you to his creative world.
The co-founder and director of I See A Different You tells us why he uses art to narrate his own story.
My business partners Vuyo Mpanthsa, Neo Mashigo and I established I See A Different You in 2011 because we were tired of people, especially the media, narrating a black story or telling us as Black people who we were. Not only is the business a creative agency, but it is also a production house that focuses on content creation such as film and photography. Through this platform, we wanted to change the perception of outside people about our lives, especially of Soweto, where we grew up. I am still part of I See A Different You as the co-founder and director. It started as a photography blog.
The meaning behind the name is that since we all know that there are always negative connotations about people or townships, and everything around us, we wanted to change that perception; we see a different and positive side to people and things.
I have always been an artist. I discovered my talent and love for fine art when I was seven years old. However, I didn’t take it too seriously throughout my upbringing, but I used it partially when I began my career in advertising as an art director, and when establishing our platform.
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It was Neo, Vuyo and my twin brother Rendani, who have always pushed and encouraged me to take art seriously as they believed I was talented. Since I didn’t believe in myself I pushed it to the back of my head. This was until August 2019 when I stopped uploading pictures of myself on Instagram as I felt that my feed was becoming monotonous. I challenged myself to paint on canvases and draw on paper, which I uploaded online. I only took fine art seriously [in 2020], during lockdown when I was tired of being home 24/7, and started fuelling my creative juices on paper.
I was surprised at people’s positive feedback because as an artist you are being vulnerable when showing a piece of yourself through art. People either love or hate it, which can be scary. Since I was always received well on social media as Fhatuwani, the photographer and as part of the group, I didn’t anticipate people liking my fine art as much as they do, and that is a blessing.
I have many plans with my artwork. I put one up for the ARTNOIR Benefit Auction, an international organisation that supports black artists globally. One of my works went for R100 000. I am humbled and proud that I’ve done my part in giving back to other artists, too. I also want to showcase my work at a few international galleries – in New York, London and Stockholm – they have shown interest, and we are in talks. Locally, there are two galleries that want to showcase my work. So, the future does look bright in my fine art career. I am glad I listened to my friends and brother, and I plan to keep up the momentum.
Fhatuwani is a very simple guy who loves jokes and laughing. I also love cooking and find different cultures around the world very fascinating. I’m very adventurous, too.
Being a person who does what makes me happy, it’s humbling to be described as an influencer. I express who I am through the clothes that I like and wear, and by being in places that I like. I appreciate that people recognise my authenticity and feel inspired by it.
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It’s quite hard to describe my childhood in a few words because there’s only one word that sums it up best – adventurous! Right now, my life is fun. I don’t have time for dull moments. I love travelling around the world, eating good food, exercising and immersing myself into my art and business.
The one thing that I’ve postponed for a long time is my art. And now, I am in it with full force. My loved ones would attest that I love having fun and I’m positive at all times. One thing that Covid-19 has taught me is that life is for the living. You must live your life to the fullest because you never know what tomorrow holds – if it comes at all. Don’t hold back; don’t think that you have enough time to discover or do things. Don’t postpone life – live the one that makes you happy.
What aromas remind you of home? As a typical kasi guy, those are ikota, amakipkip and mogodu. The first thing I’ll do after the lockdown is to fill up my visa! I miss travelling. I want to go to Copenhagen, New York, LA, Japan and Nigeria because of the fun vibe there. Nigeria is the total opposite of what many people think of it. Its culture is cool; the nightlife is amazing and the people are down-to-earth and humble. I also love the fact that Nigerians are always hustling for a better life.
What fears do you still need to overcome? Doubting myself and elevating my confidence a bit. It took my friends probing me to take my art seriously before I did. And, it’s paying off, literally.”
