Nelson Makamo (South African 1982 - ) FIGURE CARRYING CHILD

Hammer

R120,000

Nelson Makamo (South African 1982 - ) FIGURE CARRYING CHILD

More Information

signed and dated 09
charcoal on paper
150 by 70cm, unframed

During a residency in Luxembourg, he overheard a family discussing the advantages of adopting an Asian child as opposed to an African child – inherent IQ level. This deeply offensive conversation solidified Makamo’s determination to change the visual and cultural narrative surrounding African children. This pivotal moment resulted in the addition of glasses to the children in his work – an
accepted visual metaphor indicating intelligence (Hona Africa, 2017).

His intention to avoid the continued stain of abject poverty that revolves around the imaging of the black body is central to his work. The images of famine, disease, and pain that anoint the images of the ‘African child’, and that populate the minds of the art world are displaced, redressed, even healed by Makamo’s work. In an interview with comedian Trevor Noah, Makamo explains that image of the child is universal and evokes similar feelings in all viewers because “…we were all children first” (2019). By using this subject matter, his works remind the viewer that we are more similar than we often realise. We all remember the hopes, dreams, and youthful innocence of childhood, and as Makamo explains “the essence of our former child selves remains with us all” (2018). The works are not sentimental but firstly, a re-rendering of the beleaguered image of the impoverished ‘African child’ and secondly, an honest shot of joy in a world that needs more kindness. A quote by Ashraf Jamal perfectly sums up Makamo’s intent and affect, “it is never the kindness of strangers one needs but the kindness of one’s fellow human beings. Infinity exists at the narrowest of points. One sees the world more clearly, kindly, when fear is purged and when faith returns” (2021).

The magnitude of his works being in the collections of some of the world’s most influential people cannot be overstated. The gravitas added to his provenance and status within the art world both locally and internationally has grown significantly in the past few years due to these strategic acquisitions. Makamo’s meteoric rise to stardom has not come surprisingly though, he has been honing his craft for at least two decades, and this is evidenced in his many solo and group exhibitions throughout this period. The artist himself also makes a particularly important statement when he highlights the importance of having the maturity to deal with such a global reach. Moving forward, Makamo proceeded on to engage with a variety of subject matters and alludes to the fact that he still has many more phases and journeys waiting in his artistic career. His exuberance for expression and connection ensure that we are still in store for many more surprises from this artist.

Blignaut, C. SA's newest art superstar Nelson Makamo is an optimist. 2019. [O]. See: https://www.news24.com/citypress/Trending/sas-newest-superstar-is-an-optimist-20190209

Morris, A. Charcoal and Child’s Play with Nelson Makamo. 2018. [O]. See: https://www.riseart.com/article/2269/artist-interviews-charcoal-and-child-s-play-with-nelson-makamo

Nelson Makamo, in Rise Art. 2018. [O]. See: https://www.riseart.com/artist/63379/nelson-makamo

Nugent, C. The Story Behind the Painting on TIME's Optimists Cover. 2019. [O]. See: https://time.com/5505915/nelson-makamo-time-optimists-cover/