The local arts fraternity is shocked and saddened by the sudden death of painter and sculptor Keith Sondiyazi.
Keith was a well known and colourful figure around Boksburg.
He spend the great part of his life in Boksburg, living for many years in the quaint old Comet quarters and he leaves a large collection of street scenes and life in this milieu.
His portraits include excellent images of Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Helen Suzman, in fact, almost every politician, celebrity or newsmaker.
He was often featured in the local newspaper with his easel on street corners, painting the lovely, old but neglected buildings around town, often including the dates on the facades.
He hated syrupy realism: his work was bold impasto.
Keith was one of the most prolific painters I had known and he often ran out of important colours. We artists thus all supported him.
Keith was a true activist for the arts and was outspoken on the subject of funding (or lack thereof) of the visual arts as opposed to the performing arts and sports.
His work is currently on view at Ubomi Nqumzamo Arts in Boksburg, which now sadly is a post mortem exhibition,
Known simply as Rasta, Keith was a Christian Rastafarian with a Bohemian image and lifestyle.
He, however, was very knowledgeable as he had sound academic training in fine arts.
He was excellent draughtsman and assisted at our line drawing workshops.
His burial will take place in the Eastern Cape.
