EMALAHLENI – Long before his artwork began turning heads, Bongani Sylvester Mabena had already discovered the quiet comfort of a pencil and a blank page. As a young boy, drawing was simply something he loved. Years later, when life dealt him one of its toughest blows, that childhood passion became the very thing that helped him heal.

Today, Mabena is admired for his striking hyper-realistic portraits, but his work reaches far beyond recreating faces. Through abstract paintings, expressive sketches and symbolic pieces, he tells stories of identity, hope, resilience and the shared human experience.

For him, art has never been just about creating beautiful images.

"Sometimes I speak clearly through realism, and sometimes I speak in colours, shapes and symbols. Art is how I understand the world and how I communicate with people," he said.

His journey began at the age of seven while attending Nelson Ngubeni Primary School. What started as a fascination with drawing portraits stayed with him throughout his years at Empucukweni Secondary School and later at the Tshwane University of Technology's eMalahleni Campus, where he studied Human Resource Management. He also completed an entrepreneurship learnership through Sinolwazi Training Company in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).

Although he never received formal training as an artist, Mabena spent years refining his craft through patience, discipline and relentless practice.

"I believe my talent is God-given, but it is something I have nurtured throughout my life," he said.

Just as life seemed to be unfolding, everything changed.

In 2019, a workplace injury forced him to put many of his dreams on hold. What followed was one of the most physically and emotionally difficult periods of his life. Yet it was during those dark moments that he found his way back to the one thing that had always given him peace.

Art was no longer just a hobby. It became therapy.

Mabena credits his occupational therapist, Natasha Biddulph, with helping him rediscover not only his creativity but also his purpose.

"She believed in me when I was at my lowest. That's when I realised art could heal and speak truth."

The experience transformed the way he approached his work. While portraiture remained the foundation of his artistry, he began exploring abstract art, using colour, texture and symbolism to express emotions and experiences that words often fail to capture.

Today, his portfolio moves effortlessly between detailed portraits, expressive sketches and deeply symbolic paintings, each carrying its own message.

Using graphite, charcoal, acrylics, oils and mixed media, Mabena adapts his technique to suit each piece. A detailed portrait may take three to four days to complete, while an abstract painting can take weeks as he patiently layers meaning into every brushstroke.

"My portraits are detailed, my sketches are raw and free, and my paintings carry deeper meanings about life, identity, struggle, nature, culture, hope, emotions and the world around us."

"The biggest challenge with portraits is capturing the soul in someone's eyes. With abstract art, it's translating deep feelings into colour and form without losing honesty."

Among all his creations, one piece holds a particularly special place in his heart.

Titled The Circle of One, the artwork explores the interconnectedness of humanity, nature and existence.

Beyond creating original works, Mabena has also produced portraits of internationally recognised figures, including Tupac Shakur and football superstar Lionel Messi, showcasing his ability to capture not only a person's likeness but also their character.

Despite growing recognition, he said life as a local artist is far from easy. Access to quality materials remains a challenge, as does finding consistent clients and encouraging people to appreciate both realism and abstract art.

Social media, however, has helped him take his work beyond the boundaries of his community.

"It connected me with people who understand my message. My art has travelled much further than I ever imagined."

One of the proudest moments of his journey came when the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) recognised his potential and awarded him a business funding grant.

"Being recognised and supported by the NYDA motivated me to push even harder."

Like many artists, Mabena admitted there were moments when giving up felt easier than carrying on.

"Yes, I wanted to give up. But seeing someone connect with my art, even if it's only one person, reminds me why I started."

He draws inspiration from South African artist Thulani Nhlapho, whose work and artistic philosophy continue to influence his own creative journey.

"He encouraged me to keep pushing no matter what."

Looking ahead, Mabena hopes to exhibit both his portrait and abstract collections on local and international stages, collaborate with other artists and mentor young creatives, showing them that art can become a powerful tool for expression, healing and hope.

His advice to aspiring artists is simple:

"Don't box yourself. Explore portraits, sketches and abstract art. Let your creativity grow with you, and always put meaning into everything you create."

While his dream is to leave behind remarkable works of art, Mabena hopes his greatest legacy will be something far more meaningful.

"I want to be remembered as an artist who honoured people's faces and honoured their stories through symbolic art."

For Mabena, every portrait begins with a pencil, every painting starts with an idea, and every piece tells a story. His journey is proof that even life's most painful moments can become the foundation for something beautiful, one brushstroke at a time.