Nelson Makamo’s Portraits

WORDS Michaela Stehr IMAGES courtesy of Nelson Makamo

Joburg-based artist Nelson Makamo creates striking portraits using charcoal, acrylic, watercolour, monotype, silk screen and oil.

He studied for three years at the Artist Proof Studio in Joburg, where he focused on print making, and has exhibited across the globe, including in South Africa, France, the US, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, The Netherlands and Scotland.

Preferring not to plan his pieces and rather use his current state in any given moment to guide his work, Nelson predominantly finds inspiration in children from rural areas in South Africa, with the strong belief that their faces encapsulate the peace and harmony people try to achieve in daily life. He believes that it is easy as adults to lose the wide-eyed wonder and joy experienced by a child.

See more of his work on Instagram or visit nelsonmakamo.com for more information.