Velaphi Mzimba
| Artist Name: | Velaphi Mzimba |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Year of birth: | 1959 |
| Year of death: | 2021 |
| Artist information: | Velaphi George Mzimba, born in Dube, Soweto, in 1959, is an artist whose vibrant paintings portray South Africa's dynamic and evolving environment. Though he is mostly self-taught, his father encouraged him to pursue his artistic interests. At age 16, he joined the Mofolo Arts Centre, where Dan Rakgoathe taught him pastel painting, drawing, and other art techniques. In 1978, Mzimba received funding to study under Bill Ainslie at the Johannesburg Art Foundation. Mzimba's solo exhibition was held in 1981 at the Carlton Hotel, which was managed by the South African Association of Arts. By the time of his debut solo exhibition, 22-year-old Mzimba had established himself as a voice that contributed to the fight for a more humane and equitable South Africa. He is well-known for his expansive, often evocative portraits that humanise his fellow people and restore the dignity they were denied by the apartheid system. He also portrayed township life and Zama Zama miners, who work without a permit (often regarded as illegal miners). Although he was deeply involved in the struggle for liberation against the apartheid regime, his work is infused with optimism and humanity. The marginalised majority recognized themselves in Mzimba's paintings; therefore, the work felt familiar. Mzimba dared to challenge the oppressor, demonstrating that Africans were also humans. He restored their humanity and gave them a face. He celebrated their identity, rich melanin, and way of life—dark, textured, and colourful. Mzimba has had several solo and group exhibitions in South Africa, the United Kingdom, China, and the United States of America. His work is also part of several public, corporate, and private collections worldwide, including the Constitutional Court Art Collection, Fort Hare University, the Sanlam Art Collection, and the Dallas Museum. Mzimba passed away in 2021 and is survived by his wife, Boitumelo, children, Tebogo, Lesedi, Khanyi, Siphesihle, Seti, and Fili, and his siblings, Betty, Julia, and Sbongile. Sources: https://www.straussart.co.za/artists/velaphi-george-mzimba [Accessed 30 August 2024] https://www.everard-read.co.za/artist/VELAPHI_MZIMBA/biography/ [Accessed 30 August 2024] https://www.everard-read-capetown.co.za/exhibition/246/ [Accessed 30 August 2024] |
