By Michael Mbalika
Henry Konyani, a young deaf artist based in Blantyre, has turned personal challenges into an inspiring journey of creativity and entrepreneurship.
Konyani recalls a time when finding employment was a major struggle. His life took a turn when he visited a fellow deaf friend who worked as an artist. Deeply impressed by the quality of his friend’s artwork, Konyani was inspired to pursue art himself, despite having only limited knowledge at the time. Determined to master the craft, he dedicated himself to six months of intensive self-training.
Upon completing his training, he launched his own art business. However, his journey has not been without obstacles.
“One of the main challenges is that I don’t have a shop, so I work from home. This limits my visibility and makes it harder to attract customers,” he explained through a translator. In addition, poor communication with other artists and hearing individuals has made it difficult for him to stay informed about art exhibitions and key events. As a result, he has missed opportunities to showcase his work to wider and international audiences.
Konyani believes that greater awareness and use of sign language could help bridge this gap. “If more people knew sign language, it would be easier for us to communicate and collaborate,” he said.
To address these challenges, Konyani is seeking to rent a shared art space where he and other deaf artists can work, collaborate, and engage more effectively with the public. He envisions a studio located in a high-traffic area frequented by both locals and tourists, which would boost their chances of selling art and gaining exposure.
In addition, he hopes to expand into online platforms to sell artwork and stay updated on events. He also encourages the youth to develop practical skills, particularly in the creative industries, as traditional employment becomes increasingly difficult to secure.
Konyani appeals to potential clients to support his work by commissioning art pieces. Due to reading limitations, he requests that clients send reference pictures instead of written descriptions. He can be reached on WhatsApp at +265 982 849 132 for orders and inquiries. Messages should be in English, and for those who know sign language, video calls are encouraged.
Konyani’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of creativity in overcoming adversity.
Mr. Konyani and his artistic work portrayed in the images above.
