A finalist in the 2014 ABSA L'Atelier, Bob started painting in 2002, when his employer recognised his passion and encouraged him to pursue his talent to wherever it may take him.
Inspired by this, Bob who works as a Butler, decided taking his hobby more seriously, and attended local art classes. As a child, he would sketch and make carvings of village scenes and animals, often using the most basic materials such as wood and palms. The classes taught him more refined methods such as pastels on paper, but the themes remained the same, African human forms and portraits, animals, birds and also landscapes.
Apart from work inspired by nature, Bob does a number of commission based creations. Many of the pieces are on mixed media, he still makes use of palm fronds and wooden pallets, and he also works in mosaics, on cement, and with rags.
He has had a number of exhibitions, including at the Mbombela Art Gallery, Penny College, Innibos National Art Festival and at the Middelburg Stadium for Language Awareness Day. Bob has also exhibited frequently at the White River Gallery, having his work included in a variety of group exhibitions. One of Bob’s well-known pieces, titled “Initiation School” was bought by the Mbombela Gallery as a permanent fixture.
“I love nature and am inspired by the animals, plants, and birds in the Kruger National Park, where I love to go to sit quietly in nature. I am also motivated by life, and by people’s everyday activities. I watch people, and study them, then take the experience away with me to depict on my canvas.” - Bob Mnisi
