Inspired by the natural world, ordinary people, emotional states of being and local landscapes, three South African artists featured in our Spring 2020 issue create work that evokes a real sense of connection. Using a combination of colour and texture, each artist transforms their own perspective and emotions into striking pieces that encourage the viewer to slow down and take a moment to reflect.
Shakes Tembani
Shakes Tembani has been interested in art from a very young age and has worked in a variety of mediums, including mosaic and painting. After completing his studies, Shakes was a resident artist at the Castle of Good Hope Art Studios. He has exhibited his work both locally and abroad, and his pieces have appeared in collections around the world, including spaces in Germany, the Netherlands and the United States.
Shakes takes much of his inspiration from the lives of ordinary people, and his work portrays scenes of everyday life — churchgoers, people working, single parents. He uses his own photographs and experiences as part of his process and explores a range of issues faced by people going about their everyday lives. Shakes’ work is characterised by his use of bold colours and interpretations of human figures recognisable by their group identity rather than by individual characteristics.
Shakes’ work can be found at the StateoftheART Gallery in Buitenkant Street, Cape Town.