BY THOBILE NDLANGAMANDLA (INTERN)
MBABANE – Eswatini-based visual artist and photographer Owen Howe is using art and photography to promote environmental awareness while inspiring young people to create with purpose through his growing creative movement, MASIDALE.
Known for blending visual storytelling with messages of conservation, Howe has built a unique artistic identity rooted in nature, reflection, and community inspiration. His creative journey began with something simple a phone camera capturing textures, light, and everyday beauty found within the natural environment.
What started as curiosity gradually evolved into a deeper passion for photography, design, and visual communication. Today, his work continues to highlight both the beauty of nature and the urgent need to protect it from pollution, environmental damage, and human neglect.
Through his initiative, MASIDALE, which means “Let’s Create,” Howe encourages young people across Eswatini to use creativity as a tool for self-expression, positive change, and environmental responsibility. The initiative promotes the idea that art should not only look beautiful, but also carry purpose and inspire meaningful conversations.
Recently, Howe released a powerful body of work titled INSIKA, a collection dedicated to every version of a mother — present, remembered, becoming, and unseen.
Inspired by the passionfruit flower, which blooms briefly before slowly transforming into fruit over several months, the collection symbolises the patience, care, sacrifice, strength, and unconditional love carried by mothers throughout life.
The project also encourages people to celebrate and appreciate mothers beyond the month of May, recognising their value every day.
“For every version of a mother — we see you,” reads the message behind the collection.
At the heart of Howe’s work is a strong belief that creativity can influence society positively. Through photography and visual art, he continues to encourage reflection, inspire action, and advocate for environmental protection in Eswatini.
Create. Inspire. Protect.
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