George Mokwena

George Mokwena is a South African emerging visual artist born in 1997 in Lephalale, Limpopo Province .He graduated from Tielelo Secondary School in 2017.Mokwena recently founded his own visual art company Mokwena Creative Art (pty) ltd in 2020.

Mokwena was awarded a full bursary to study art by Elegant Fuel in 2020.In 2021 he enrolled at the Artist Proof Studio in JHB, to study printmaking.

Mokwena’s body of work is influenced by his journey , to and from Lephalale and Johannesburg.

The architecture, bridges, monuments and commercial buildings in Johannesburg have been a source of inspiration for Mokwena : "the buildings huge heights touch the sky like my vision for my artistic career , to see myself soring up high in the art world and making an impact on many people with my art." Mokwena works in a multitude of mediums: pen, charcoal, acrylic, oil paint and murals .

Mokwena has exhibited in numerous group shows and was featured in 2023 in the publications Hyper blog magazine and Ntshabele newspaper. In 2024 Mokwena plans to continue practicing as an artist, printmaker, influencer and promoter.

He intends continuing his printmaking studies in 2024 and enrolling for his fourth year at the Artist Proof Studio.

Artists statement

In my body of work, I delve into the profound personal experiences that have profoundly influenced my existence even before my birth. The narrative that unfolds within my creations can be traced back to the pivotal moment when my mother underwent a life-threatening caesarean section, bringing me into this world.

This crucial event not only marked my entry into existence but has also become a powerful source of inspiration, exploring themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the delicate equilibrium between life and death that resonates throughout my artistic endeavours.

Central to my works is the portrayal of a pregnant woman, her belly replaced by a symbolic gold bar. By using the gold bar in place of the anticipated baby, which would have been myself, I imbue my art with symbols of transformation, success, and achievement.

The gold bar represents not only material wealth but also excellence, victory, and the fulfilment of aspirations. By depicting myself as gold, I seek to depict the evolution and personal growth that has occurred throughout the course of my life, a testament to the transformative power of our experiences.

Accomplishments & Involvements:

2018 Painted mural at Shongoane library for 100 years centenary for ANC.

2020 Commissioned an oil painting for Lephalale Mall.

2020 Got sponsorship from Elegant fuel to go to school to complete my studies.

2020 Commissioned 9 A1 size oil paintings. 2024 I made gift painting for them.

2023 Completed my studies at Artist Proof Studio.

2024 Enrolling for 4th year internship.

2024 Exhibited at Redhill Art Festival.

2024 Was featured at China [Series02 Art exhibition.

2024 Went to Italy to paint a mural and he was featured in some newspaper article in Italy.

Artworks By

George Mokwena