ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Patrick Patakai Rapai was born at Silveira Missionary Hospital in Masvingo, Zimbabwe in 1976. He went to school in Harare, the capital of the country, where he began his career as an artist.
His artistic journey traces back to his grandmother, a potter who recognised his potential at the age of 10. Under her guidance, he became her protégé, setting the stage for a future in art. Excelling as the top art student in his class solidified art as his true calling.
In 2002, Rapai initiated his artistic expedition, undergoing formal training at the B.A.T School of Visual Arts, National Art Gallery, Harare, Zimbabwe, where he attained a Fine Arts Diploma.
In 2005, he accomplished a Graphic Design Diploma, at Harare Polytech.
Commencing in 2007, Rapai has refined his skills and imparted his artistic vision through various artist workshops in Gaborone, Botswana; Johannesburg, South Africa; Harare, Zimbabwe; Chicago and Michigan, United States of America; and London, United Kingdom.
Confronting challenges from sanctions in Zimbabwe in 2008, Rapai astutely relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa, strategically placing himself where international visitors converge. This move proved pivotal, significantly broadening his clientele, and offering new opportunities for his artistic vision to flourish in a global context.
A true monarch of his craft, his paintbrush waltzes across the canvas. Rapai’s unique artistic style, characterised by dimensional textures and a plastering technique, sets him apart. His creative philosophy centers on art as a puzzle connecting the creator with the one who needs it, visualising people, cityscapes, landscapes, and objects from diverse angles.
Jean-Michel Basquiat serves as a profound inspiration for Rapai, as he finds his motivation in the inherent value and pricing of Basquiat’s masterpieces. Rapai epitomises a strong business acumen, demonstrating a keen interest in the dynamic intersection of art and commerce. Adapting to changing times and technology, he remains steadfast in his commitment to evolve, ensuring his artistic endeavours continue to captivate a modern audience.
Apart from his artistic pursuits, Rapai aims to make a lasting impact by motivating upcoming artists and aiding the less fortunate through philanthropic endeavours. Teaching art in schools and transforming redundant spaces into meaningful public art installations, he showcases a commitment to imparting knowledge and curating impactful spaces. A significant achievement involves Rapai contributing to painting the iconic walls of The Leonardo, Africa’s tallest building in Sandton.
Negotiating the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa, especially its effects on the artistic community, signaled a significant transformation for Rapai. Given his dependence on corporate collaborations, he encountered the imperative to reconstruct his clientele entirely.
He established The Rapai Art Gallery in 2018, originally located on Frere Street and later at Judith’s Paarl and Maboneng in Johannesburg. More recently in Cape Town.
Possessing a profound vision for the gallery, Rapai intends to reproduce his art across diverse mediums, aiming for widespread accessibility and diverse artistic expressions. Additionally, he plans to launch an e-commerce platform for his creations.
Evolving as an artist, Rapai’s subjects and craft grow increasingly captivating, reflecting a journey of resilience, creativity, and a dedication to meaningful contributions to the art world. Each stroke signifies his steadfast commitment to patience and persistence, creating layers that emanate richness, refinement, and a distinct realisation of his artistic visions. His designs are not fortuitous; they are exquisite creations imbued with the wisdom of a seasoned artist.
He embodies the remarkable harmony that arises when the realms of applied art and graphic design come together, with his influence extending well beyond South Africa.
In the timeless pursuit of transcending borders and mediums, Patrick Rapai stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to connect, inspire, and elevate the human spirit across generations and continents.
