5 Artists To Watch | Soweto Art Week

“Inkunzi Emanxeba – The Legacy Continues” launched at the Durban Art Gallery on 23 November 2013. The exhibition showcased works by SA’s best established and emerging artists such as Bongi Bengu, Charles Sokhaya Nkosi, David Koloane, Colbert Mashile, Mbongeni Buthelezi, Zamani Makhaye, Nontsikelelo Veleko, Zama Dunywa, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Norman Catherine, Themba Shibase, Zolile Petshane and many others. This group show is the main exhibition for Soweto Art Week (SAW) 2014. The exhibition is scheduled to travel to Durban, Polokwane, Bloemfontein, Eastern Cape, Cape Town and Johannesburg by 2016.

With the first Soweto Art Week kicking off on 24 September 2014, we asked curator and founding director, Lunga Khumalo to share who he thinks you should keep an eye out for during the course of the event. Here’s what he had to say.

1. ALEX FLETT

Born: 1950, Findochty, Scotland

Best Known For: Printmaking, sculpture

Alex Flett is a world-renowned veteran artist from Scotland. His work can be found in major galleries across the globe including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. He works as a sculptor and creates woodblock prints. One of his celebrated prints will be on view at the first annual SAW 2014.

2. CHARLES SOKHAYA NKOSI (aka “Bra Charles”)

Born: 1949, Durban

Best Known For: Painting, sculpture, weaving, printmaking, ceramics

Charles Sokhaya Nkosi is another world-celebrated artist and printmaker, currently living in Soweto. He has helped shape and recreate the history of South African art and has taught art to some of the country’s best visual artists, such as Mbongeni Buthelezi and Dominic Tshabangu. His mixed media work will be on display at SAW 2014.

3. BONGI BENGU

Born: 1970, Eshowe

Best Known For: Painting

Bongi is known as the jewel of South African art. She is a well-established artist who uses art as a tool to heal and connect with the spiritual world. She is a great representative for our country.

4. COLBERT MASHILE

Born: 1972, Bushbuckridge

Best Known For: Printmaking, monoprints

Colbert Mashile is a South African artist who enjoys working on paper. His works are found in both public and private collections around the world. Simply put, Colbert is one of the most prolific artists of our time.

5. TAMARA RAMOS

Born: 1978, New Jersey, USA

Best Known For: Photography

Tamara Ramos is a young photographer from New Jersey. Her artworks, which she has exhibited globally, take a critical view of social, political and women’s rights. Her work, “Freedom”, which will be on display at SAW 2014, formed part of a UNICEF women’s rights campaign in Italy. 

Find out more about what you expect at Soweto Art Week 2014.