The dusty Kruger National Park roads have created a unique canvas for young artist Brent Gademan; the talented painter has been turning dust into stunning, yet fleeting works of art.
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (27 July 2023) – If you have ever had the pleasure of driving on the dirt roads in any national park, you will have acquired the typical dusty car. This is always a sign of a road trip done right! For Brent Gademan, a 17-year-old artist from Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, these dust-caked windows became a canvas.
Brent started painting since starting high school but his passion for art has been around since he could draw. He has worked on his drawings his whole life but has found a great love for oil painting and graphite drawing. Five years ago, his family were on a trip when he noticed the thick dust settled on the car and while they were resting, took his brush and started shifting the dust into a work of art. Speaking to Brent about his new holiday hobby, he shared that is started out as something he just did for fun.
“I started the dust art 5 years ago in grade 7 just for fun and it turned out quite well and our car became quite popular. I then did another last year of 2 impalas and then 3 this recent holidays and I love watching peoples reactions to hearing that is isn’t a sticker.”
Brent was surprised by the interest in his work initially, but the interest even led to him doing a few commissioned works and making art sales.
“It felt great to show people my work. Initially, I was worried that the other art would be out of my league but I was very pleased to hear what everyone had to say about my art and I even sold some of my pieces.”
He recently shared his dust art on the Kruger National Park Facebook group and it was very-well received.
Brent shared advice for other who want to follow their passions in art. He says, practice is the best way to keep improving.
“Art can be taught to someone and they can develop their skills over time, but talent helps out too.”
You can check out more of his art via his Facebook page here. Take a look at some of his dust masterpieces below.
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