Biography



I am Awonke Kwinana the son of Mr. T. M Somniso & Ms K.T Kwinana. I was born in the Eastern Cape, in a place called Kieskammahoek. I grew up in the West rand in  a township called Elisburg, I lived with my mother who was working at Yellow phones (Public phone hub). During my teen years I would visit my father on December holidays at Port Elizabeth (KwaMagxaki) my father served at the army.

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From a young age I was fascinated by my cousin's (Siyathemba Kwinana) drawings that he did on his school books, so each time I visited Eastern Cape. I would search for his work inside kitchen drawers  looking for his sketch book (1 quire booklet) then start practising the three dimensional drawings of the house we lived in. I did not know that I had the ability to draw then, I guess the skill of drawing jumped at the opportunity as I was browsing through his work I would even compare my work with his and measure my progress.

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 In  2011, I  pursued my  studies doing Fashion design  at Walter Sisulu university ,Cambridge street. I  was guided by my Lecturer Archibald Monyepao who advised me  encouraged me to draw with a pen, Archie (Lecturer) started to imbue the shading technique as I was was building my fashion design portfolio. 

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In 2016 a friend from Switzerland whom from time to time would take vacations to South Africa, visited his host family in Carletonville. When they met for drinks  I presented a custom made portrait,  my Swiss friend received it with joy. The reception I got from Emmanuel (Swiss friend )encouraged me to endearvour in the art industry. I was fascinated thinking I was the only one drawing with a Biro only to find out Enam Bosokah's work was exceptional. I started following his work, Enam's work made things easier for me, I acquainted myself and edified his technique by studying Enam's pieces. I grew my technique through practise. I have taken recess studying towards Paralegal diploma with South African school of Paralegal studies.  ''It depends who you give your pen, a pen in the hands of a skillful writer produces poems and novels, a pen in the hand of a teacher corrects  a student whilst a pen in my  hands captures a bottle full of emotions''.