The first time Jared Rudolph encountered art in junior school, he realised his passion. In the coming years, he developed an undeniable knack for drawing and painting, and added heaps of completed canvases to his collection. But growing up in Bridgetown, a marginalised community in Cape Town, Rudolph's biggest challenge was daring to dream beyond his circumstances. Today, the skilled artist is using his talents to validate the creativity of kids in his hometown and encourage them to imagine a positive future for themselves.
Rudolph recalls not having many role models to aspire to in his childhood, so he took it upon himself to become one for the next generation. Although he had moved out of the Cape Flats after completing school, he regularly visits his community and other areas – this time with art supplies, some skateboards, and years of artistic experience. “The biggest thing I noticed is the disparity between the rich and the poor, and the people and children who are adversely affected by that,” Rudolph says. Gathering other artists, he holds workshops for local children. These initiatives give kids an opportunity to break away from their stressful environments to learn arts and crafts, play, and create with one another. Rudolph is also committed to mentoring youngsters who show an aptitude for art by sharing his platform, expertise, and knowledge about how to take the next steps. “Art is a beautiful way to connect with youth, to instil hope, love, unity, and create a stronger sense of community,” he says.
Rudolph’s work in the community forms an integral part of his mission as an artist. “I believe that we can learn as much from kids as they can from us, and we just have to revert back to that outlook on life which is full of joy and purity,” he says. Although Rudolph was exposed to elements of art in his childhood, he didn’t cross paths with enough professionals in the industry for his ambitions to seem achievable. Now, he’s bringing that knowledge home, becoming a symbol of hope for youth in Cape Town’s disadvantaged suburbs.
