FEATURED ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Featured Artist Mpho Nkadimeng(South Africa)

Mpho Nkadimeng born in 1987, is a contemporary artist hailing from the village of Dennilton in Limpopo. His work delves into the complexities of counter-culture and multicultural influences in modern society, drawing inspiration from his coming-of- age   experiences and the diverse individuals he has encountered. Nkadimeng graduated from Tshwane University of Technology in 2013 and immediately embarked on his artistic career that same year, he  completed  a residency  at  the Pretoria Arts Museum, culminating in a significant exhibition.

Nkadimeng’s art has been showcased in numerous group exhibitions and prestigious art auctions, including those held by Stephen Welz & Co. His work has also been featured in prominent publications such as SA Home Owner magazine.

Central to Nkadimeng’s artistic philosophy is the exploration of how individual decisions within a multicultural context can shape personal and societal realities across generations. He employs a variety of mediums, including water and spray paint, to illustrate the interconnectedness of individual and collective identities. Nkadimeng’s art often reflects the concept that one is never one,” emphasizing the continuous flow of influence from past to present to future selves, akin to a river flowing towards the ocean.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

As an artist, I embrace the challenge of experimenting with various mediums. However, water remains a profound source of inspiration for me. Its dual nature, from ferocious waves to a placid surface, mirrors the adaptability and strength I admire in my father, who instilled in me the values of courage and compassion. My ongoing quest is to decode the essence of water, with the ambitious goal of creating sculptures composed entirely of this elemental force.

Art serves as a social adhesive, bridging differences and uniting people. My current body of work is both introspective and extrospective, unraveling the journey of life through individual perspectives. Some pieces are raw with emotion, while others burst with color and joy, reflecting the diverse experiences of human existence.

In my latest series, I delve into themes of self-care and self-preservation, exploring the building of character and the steadfast upholding of morals and values. Independence and connection are central motifs in my work, highlighting the balance between personal growth and communal ties.

Acrylic and spray paints are my primary mediums, though I do not confine myself to these alone. Each medium brings a unique texture and flavor to my creations. I often splash acrylic paint on the canvas, forming individual lines that coalesce into vibrant images. At times, I blend spray paint to create beautiful imperfections, such as patches on a figure or the illusion of 3D bumps. These elements signify the uncharted journey of self-discovery, the sweat and tears that accompany it, and the marks of identity we accumulate along the way.

Central to my artistic philosophy is the exploration of how individual decisions within a multicultural context can shape personal and societal realities across generations. I employ a variety of mediums, including water and spray paint, to illustrate the interconnectedness of individual and collective identities. My art often reflects the concept that “one is never one,”

emphasizing the continuous flow of influence from past to present to future selves, akin to a river flowing towards the ocean.

In essence, my art is a conduit for expressing my deepest thoughts and emotions, with the hope of resonating with and touching the hearts of those who view it.

MPHO NKADIMENG’S ARTWORKS

Title:A year of spring
Medium:acrylics paint, spray paint and gold leaf on canvas
Size:190cm X 150cm
Title:A healing journey:crimson bridge of scourging worlds
Medium:oil paint on canvas
Size: 184 cm X 90 cm
Title: mountain shadows
Medium:spray paint on canvas
Size: 75 cm X 80 cm
Title:New Conversation
Medium:spray paint and acrylics paint on canvas
Size: 91 cm X 70 cm
Title:The last conversation IV
Medium:Spray paint and acrylics paint on canvas
Size:184cm X 125cm
Title:A healing journey: waters of tranquility
Medium:oil paint on canvas
Size:116 cm X 93 cm