Soweto Annual Art Fair

11/06/2025

10/06/2025

Ntate David Koloane’s influence on the title of my debut book "Art Saved My Life" is both symbolic and deeply personal.

Art as Resistance and Survival

David Koloane lived through apartheid and used art not just as expression, but as resistance and healing. He created while systems tried to silence Black voices. His life proved that art can be a lifeline — a way to preserve humanity, dignity, and spirit against dehumanizing forces. This mirrors the soul of my book: art isn’t just about beauty — it’s about survival.

Legacy of Creative Freedom

Koloane believed in art as a voice for the voiceless, especially in township and marginalized spaces. He created platforms and spaces (like the Bag Factory) for emerging Black artists. My book channels that same mission — showing how art can rescue, restore, and re-empower the soul.

Spiritual and Psychological Liberation

I write from lived experience: how art gave me meaning, direction, and healing. David Koloane's story affirms this. He didn't just make art — he lived it as a force of spiritual and psychological liberation. His legacy helped validate my journey and the message: Art Saved My Life.

So, the book title is more than a personal declaration — it's a tribute to Koloane’s ethos. His life proved the power of art to awaken consciousness, restore brokenness, and challenge oppressive systems. That truth shaped the heartbeat of your book.