Dream Big

My artwork is about the sense of excitement you get when a young football talent is introduced, and they exceed above all expectations. To communicate this message, I used a realistic rendering of an upcoming star Kylian Mbappe in his happiest moment. In the creation of this artwork, I wanted to explore the artistic style of Basquiat. His style inspired me to create the dreamy sense of reality I imagined Mbappe would be feeling when getting the achievements and support from people across the world.

Kudakwashe Hove – Year 12 General
Oil on Canvas

Victory Delayed

This artwork explores the excitement and suspense leading up to the final whistle and the unbearable feeling in the face of defeat. To communicate this message, I used a realistic rendering of David Luiz in the final moments of their devastating loss in the 2014 World Cup. Through this painting, I wanted to express strong emotion and explore how I, as a viewer, also struggled with the feeling of defeat. The background consists of the colours of the Brazilian flag all smudged up and messy to show the destruction and humiliation the team faced after a heavy defeat. In this artwork, David Luiz’s tear dropping eyes stand out emphatically and give a sense of loneliness and sadness. Ever since l was young l was fascinated by the passion and unity of the football community, bringing different people together, even in the face of defeat.  It still fascinates me how much football means to people, how it can tug on their heartstrings when one simple loss brings an entire nation to tears. This artwork is about how football is more than just a game. There have been many cases where things didn’t go my way as a footballer, whether on the field or on the couch. This defeat was the most jarring and unexpected to date, leading to my inspiration for this artwork.

Kudakwashe Hove – Year 12 General
Oil on Canvas