Lodge art goes worldwide
Backpackers puts Eastern Cape works in focus internationally
BAY artists have been given the chance to catch the eye of international tourists thanks to a new gallery started by a backpackers’ lodge. Jikeleza Backpackers, situated in the heart of Port Elizabeth in Cuyler Street, is providing a platform for artists who would otherwise receive very little exposure.
The family-owned business in Central not only showcases art works by locals but is assisting in other creative endeavours where it can.
Jikeleza general manager Rolene Lourens said a prerequisite for artists showcasing their work was that they must be unknown.
“We have a surge of international tourists who come to stay with us [as well as] local tourists. We wanted to expose people’s work to the variety of people who come here,” she said.
“We make sure our tourists experience local talent and take a bit of Port Elizabeth with them.”
Lourens said the artists’ work was also entered into artEC competitions that were aimed at boosting new talent in the Bay.
The gallery, a room in the backpackers which the family has owned for 20 years, was established last year to showcase between four and five artists at a time.
Clothing designer Sibusiso Yekani, 30, of Katapula, is one of the young creatives the backpackers is helping build a business.
Yekani said he was being helped to find design opportunities and to create an online platform for his work.
“I have been supported immensely by Jikeleza. Not only do I now manage the backpackers but I am being assisted to make my brand even bigger.
“I design T-shirts and vests that span multicultural tastes and the people at Jikeleza have helped me put this label together,” Yekani said.
Jikeleza owner Robert Lourens said one of the lodge’s proudest achievement was seeing one of its artists achieve international success.
“James Malinga is from Walmer and we began showcasing his rare and unique talent.
“Malinga uses recycled goods and turns them into art. He is now an acclaimed artist. His work is in demand, and people get to see his work when he displays his art at the flea market on Sundays at the beachfront,” Lourens said.
Many of Malinga’s works had been sold to international visitors.
Artifactory owner Bruce Nicou said his company had also had the opportunity to showcase work at Jikeleza.
“We sell miniature figurine collectibles, unique art work, jewellery and art made with recycled materials,” he said.
“We also had the opportunity to showcase our products with them for the people who come in and out to see what we have to offer.”
The lodge also has a relationship with the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University where they take on interns and teach them general management and administration.
NMMU third-year tourism management student Ovayo Luzipho, 20, said she had learnt a great deal from Jikeleza.
“I run the small daily tasks. I book tours and liaise with guests,” she said.
“This is a great opportunity and I am thankful.”
We wanted to expose people’s work to the variety of people who come here