Time to retire: Rasta told as his portrait for Connie Chiume breaks the internet (WATCH VIDEO)
The internet has erupted in a chorus of disapproval, with many calling for Rasta to retire from painting after his latest tribute, a portrait of the late screen legend Connie Chiume, sparked widespread outrage.
The Zimbabwean artist, known for his unique (and often controversial) approach to honouring late celebrities through art, unveiled the portrait at Chiume’s funeral service on Thursday, 15 August, at the Oasis of Life Family Church in Daveyton.
The veteran actress, who died last week at the age of 72 following a medical procedure, was a beloved figure in the South African entertainment industry.
However, Rasta’s attempt at paying tribute to Chiume through his art has backfired spectacularly, with many users expressing their disappointment and frustration on social media. A clip of Rasta painting the portrait at the funeral service was shared on X, igniting a firestorm of criticism.
“It’s no longer funny,” one user commented, reflecting the sentiment of many who have grown weary of Rasta’s often-unflattering depictions of deceased celebrities.
“Rasta should just stop honestly,” another user added, voicing the growing frustration with the artist’s work.
This latest controversy comes on the heels of Rasta’s recent attempt to honour Olympic swimmer Tatjana Smith. Following her return from the Paris 2024 Olympics, Rasta shared a picture of his portrait of the athlete on Twitter, proudly proclaiming, “Welcome, Golden Girl. Mrs Tatjana Smith, you made South Africa proud; well done.”
However, the reaction to his work has been largely negative, with many questioning the artist’s talent and artistic vision.
Rasta has previously faced criticism for his portraits of other late celebrities, including Zahara, AKA, and Deborah Frasier. In December, he made headlines after tweeps claimed that former Minister of Sports, Art and Culture Zizi Kodwa had “warned” him about his work.
Kodwa was seen engaging with Rasta on the sidelines of Zahara’s funeral service, prompting speculation that the Minister was expressing his disapproval of the artist’s work.
Despite the growing backlash, Rasta remains undeterred, maintaining that his art is a reflection of his unique perspective. In response to criticism about his often-inaccurate depictions, Rasta has stated, “This is what my eye sees, and that’s the art.”
However, it seems that the public’s patience with Rasta’s artistic style is wearing thin. While his work was initially met with amusement, the humour appears to have worn off, leaving many questioning whether his art truly honours the memory of those he seeks to commemorate.
Artist #Rasta outside the funeral service of #ConnieChiume alongside young artists in the area. KH #KayaNews pic.twitter.com/AGoLv10E6U
— Kaya News (@KayaNews) August 15, 2024
However, the reaction to his work has been largely negative, with many questioning the artist’s talent and artistic vision.
Rasta has previously faced criticism for his portraits of other late celebrities, including Zahara, AKA, and Deborah Frasier. In December, he made headlines after tweeps claimed that former Minister of Sports, Art and Culture Zizi Kodwa had “warned” him about his work.
Kodwa was seen engaging with Rasta on the sidelines of Zahara’s funeral service, prompting speculation that the Minister was expressing his disapproval of the artist’s work.
The Minister @zizikodwa is seriously engaging Rasta on the sidelines about his drawings of Zahara #ZaharaFuneral pic.twitter.com/vu1dCPjQEh
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) December 23, 2023
Despite the growing backlash, Rasta remains undeterred, maintaining that his art is a reflection of his unique perspective. In response to criticism about his often-inaccurate depictions, Rasta has stated, “This is what my eye sees, and that’s the art.”
However, it seems that the public’s patience with Rasta’s artistic style is wearing thin. While his work was initially met with amusement, the humour appears to have worn off, leaving many questioning whether his art truly honours the memory of those he seeks to commemorate.
