ntroduction:
In the latest episode of the Hype A podcast, host Cristallina welcomes Sol Golden Sato, a socially engaged artist whose work transcends borders and speaks to the human experience. Sol's story, rooted in a challenging upbringing in Malawi, weaves through themes of resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of art.
The Journey Begins: From Malawi to Homelessness
Sol Golden Sato was born in Malawi, a country known for its stunning natural beauty yet marked by severe poverty. Growing up under a peaceful yet authoritarian regime, Sol was shaped by his father’s military background and his own experiences of loss. At just 16, he fled to South Africa, where he faced the harsh reality of homelessness during the final days of apartheid. This tumultuous period not only tested his survival skills but also ignited his passion for art as a means of expression.
Self-Directed Learning and Artistic Awakening
Despite his formal education ending at 15, Sol’s intellectual journey continued through voracious reading and online learning. He explored literature, classical thought, and computer science, which eventually led him to discover his artistic abilities in London. "I didn’t know anyone who made art, so it took me a long while to realise that the skill I had in drawing could be something," he reflects. This realisation marked the beginning of his transformation into a socially engaged artist.
The Power of Art in Community
Sol's art is not just about personal expression; it’s about community engagement and social reflection. His works span painting, installation, and participatory projects, aiming to give a voice to those who often go unheard. By connecting with various communities, Sol creates spaces where creative boundaries are dissolved, allowing participants to explore their imagination freely. "Creating a world where there are no boundaries creatively is always a joy for both me and the kids or grownups I work with," he shares.
A Unique Connection with Diverse Audiences
One of Sol’s remarkable talents is his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His experiences have equipped him with a deep understanding of different social dynamics. "Being an artist is not only a job; it’s also a way of being in the world," he explains. This openness fosters collaborative environments in his workshops, where participants feel empowered to express their creativity without judgment.
The Inner Child: Healing Through Art
Sol’s artistic journey is also a personal one, allowing him to confront and heal aspects of his past. Working with children, he finds that his own inner child resonates with them, creating a unique bond. "When I work with someone, those things can express themselves. It’s quite interesting how things I’ve tried to suppress in myself might come out," he reflects. This process not only enriches his art but also brings a sense of healing to both him and his participants.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
Sol Golden Sato’s journey from Malawi to becoming a celebrated artist in London illustrates the profound impact of art on individual lives and communities. His story emphasises the importance of resilience, the power of connection, and the healing potential of creativity. As Sol continues to engage with diverse communities through his art, he not only amplifies their voices but also invites us all to reflect on our shared human experiences.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Burden
The Burden is a documentary series that takes listeners into the hidden places where justice is done (and undone). It dives deep into the lives of heroes and villains. And it focuses a spotlight on those who triumph even when the odds are against them. Season 5 - The Burden: Death & Deceit in Alliance On April Fools Day 1999, 26-year-old Yvonne Layne was found murdered in her Alliance, Ohio home. David Thorne, her ex-boyfriend and father of one of her children, was instantly a suspect. Another young man admitted to the murder, and David breathed a sigh of relief, until the confessed murderer fingered David; “He paid me to do it.” David was sentenced to life without parole. Two decades later, Pulitzer winner and podcast host, Maggie Freleng (Bone Valley Season 3: Graves County, Wrongful Conviction, Suave) launched a “live” investigation into David's conviction alongside Jason Baldwin (himself wrongfully convicted as a member of the West Memphis Three). Maggie had come to believe that the entire investigation of David was botched by the tiny local police department, or worse, covered up the real killer. Was Maggie correct? Was David’s claim of innocence credible? In Death and Deceit in Alliance, Maggie recounts the case that launched her career, and ultimately, “broke” her.” The results will shock the listener and reduce Maggie to tears and self-doubt. This is not your typical wrongful conviction story. In fact, it turns the genre on its head. It asks the question: What if our champions are foolish? Season 4 - The Burden: Get the Money and Run “Trying to murder my father, this was the thing that put me on the path.” That’s Joe Loya and that path was bank robbery. Bank, bank, bank, bank, bank. In season 4 of The Burden: Get the Money and Run, we hear from Joe who was once the most prolific bank robber in Southern California, and beyond. He used disguises, body doubles, proxies. He leaped over counters, grabbed the money and ran. Even as the FBI was closing in. It was a showdown between a daring bank robber, and a patient FBI agent. Joe was no ordinary bank robber. He was bright, articulate, charismatic, and driven by a dark rage that he summoned up at will. In seven episodes, Joe tells all: the what, the how… and the why. Including why he tried to murder his father. Season 3 - The Burden: Avenger Miriam Lewin is one of Argentina’s leading journalists today. At 19 years old, she was kidnapped off the streets of Buenos Aires for her political activism and thrown into a concentration camp. Thousands of her fellow inmates were executed, tossed alive from a cargo plane into the ocean. Miriam, along with a handful of others, will survive the camp. Then as a journalist, she will wage a decades long campaign to bring her tormentors to justice. Avenger is about one woman’s triumphant battle against unbelievable odds to survive torture, claim justice for the crimes done against her and others like her, and change the future of her country. Season 2 - The Burden: Empire on Blood Empire on Blood is set in the Bronx, NY, in the early 90s, when two young drug dealers ruled an intersection known as “The Corner on Blood.” The boss, Calvin Buari, lived large. He and a protege swore they would build an empire on blood. Then the relationship frayed and the protege accused Calvin of a double homicide which he claimed he didn’t do. But did he? Award-winning journalist Steve Fishman spent seven years to answer that question. This is the story of one man’s last chance to overturn his life sentence. He may prevail, but someone’s gotta pay. The Burden: Empire on Blood is the director’s cut of the true crime classic which reached #1 on the charts when it was first released half a dozen years ago. Season 1 - The Burden In the 1990s, Detective Louis N. Scarcella was legendary. In a city overrun by violent crime, he cracked the toughest cases and put away the worst criminals. “The Hulk” was his nickname. Then the story changed. Scarcella ran into a group of convicted murderers who all say they are innocent. They turned themselves into jailhouse-lawyers and in prison founded a lway firm. When they realized Scarcella helped put many of them away, they set their sights on taking him down. And with the help of a NY Times reporter they have a chance. For years, Scarcella insisted he did nothing wrong. But that’s all he’d say. Until we tracked Scarcella to a sauna in a Russian bathhouse, where he started to talk..and talk and talk. “The guilty have gone free,” he whispered. And then agreed to take us into the belly of the beast. Welcome to The Burden.