LO: Artwork inspired by Peter Kwangware and 'Journey to Jo'burg' by Beverley Naidoo

Year 6 students read the incredible book 'Journey to Jo'burg' by Beverley Naidoo. 

Frightened that their baby sister Dineo will die, thirteen-year-old Naledi and her younger brother Tiro run away from their grandmother to Johannesburg to find their mother, who works there as a maid. Their journey illustrates at every turn the grim realities of apartheid - the pass laws, bantustans, racism, the breakdown of family life.

This was an extremely moving, yet beautiful story. Many children were shocked and amazed that such discrimination against people based on race happened so brutally and so recently.

I decided that it was only fitting to introduce the children to an artist from Africa. After much research, I came across a vibrant figurative artist named Peter Kwangware. I instantly fell in love with his work, as did the children.

Kwangware's paintings are mostly created from oils and are inspired by social aspects of African life and explore themes of everyday living in both the city and rural areas. He often paints popular spots such as fields, markets and strives to tell the tales of present times.

Year 6 were challenged to create their own interpretation of his work. They could use, pencil and felt-tips. Great results as always!