BUDDING Zimbabwean artist Mzikayise Nyathi is ruffling feathers with his creations

Nyathi, who now lives in South Africa, recently exhibited his work at Funda Centre in Soweto.

His paintings, which deal with the abuse of power by many African leaders including Robert Mugabe, have stunned art lovers.

In tackling this crucial issue Nyathi uses a Zimbabwean dollar note and cigar in his works to express the idea. Under the banner of power abuse he also looks at issues such as nepotism.

"The abuse of power always brings trouble to society," he says. "When I moved to South Africa a few years ago I noticed that a lot of people were jobless. This is caused by nepotism in many companies. As a result many job-seekers are frustrated.

"I find qualified people searching for jobs while people who do not have qualifications are working."

He says he uses money to portray the abuse of power.

"I chose money because those who have it are in power. The use of the cigar represents status."

Nyathi says his works are politically and socially motivated because he is inspired by what he sees happening around him.

Asked about the abuse of power in Zim, Nyathi says he is not afraid to speak his mind.

"I am not afraid to talk about what I feel and see. As an artist I have this role to play, especially when issues of power are overlooked. I know there will be those who will agree with me."

Nyathi has a Diploma in Fine Arts from Funda Centre in Diepkloof. He says after passing matric with flying colours many people expected him to be a scientist. Instead, he discovered something more interesting than science - art.

"I find art fascinating because it enables you to express yourself freely. "