Local artist, Richard Letsatsi Bollers, was recently commissioned to paint a painting of Free State Premier, Ace Magashule, and President Jacob Zuma for the Presidential Gala Dinner held at Dr Rantai Indoor Sports Centre on 29 July 2016.
Bollers had only three days to complete the oil painting, sized 85cm x 110cm, which was created for a fundraising auction for the ANC. The bid started at R50 000 and ended up at half a million Rand.
Bollers says he took the opportunity to do this artwork, despite the short notice, because it is not often that a visual artist is given such an opportunity to present at an important occasion as this. His advice to other artists is to keep finding ways to market themselves and utilise any opportunity that would uplift their profile.
Bollers was fortunate to study at the National School of Arts in Cuba where he obtained his degree in Fine Art. He is currently residing in Thaba Nchu together with his family and is working for the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation as Assistant Director – Visual Arts. His artwork mainly comprises portraits and mosaics. Due to his position within the department he can only work on his artworks after hours. One of his Nelson Mandela portraits was also recently completed to motivate scholars during the “67 Minutes for Mandela” campaign. – Maricelle Botha 
maricelle@centralmediagroup.co.za