MAPHOSO GEORGE MOKWENA
Maphoso George Mokwena (b. 1997) is an emerging visual artist born in Lephalale, Limpopo Province, South Africa. He graduated from Tielelo Secondary School in 2017 and, in 2020, was awarded a full bursary by Elegant Fuel to pursue his studies in art. In 2021, he enrolled at Artist Proof Studio in Johannesburg to study printmaking.
Mokwena’s body of work is deeply influenced by his journey between Lephalale and Johannesburg, reflecting on themes of migration, labor, and resilience. His practice encourages viewers to reconsider how value and worth are measured, honoring both economic struggle and personal triumph rooted in family and perseverance.
He works across a variety of media including pen, charcoal, acrylic, oil paint, and digital processes. Mokwena has participated in numerous group exhibitions and has been featured in publications such as Art Times, Hyper Blog Magazine, and Ntshabele Newspaper.
In 2024, he traveled to Italy to paint a 90-meter community memorial mural, and in 2025 he completed an internship in printmaking at Artist Proof Studio. He currently practices as both a visual artist and print maker.
Artist Statement
My work explores themes of fragility, strength, survival, legacy, and values. Central to my practice is the combination of everyday labor symbolism with the imagery of gold bars, encouraging viewers to reconsider how we measure worth and success.
Through my work, I engage with narratives that honor both economic struggle and personal triumph, often rooted in family history and resilience. A recurring motif in my practice reflects triumph, success, and personal transformation, emphasizing both material prosperity and personal excellence.
The historical significance of gold from ancient currency to modern investment serves as a powerful metaphor in my work. Just as gold undergoes refinement, societies and individuals experience transformation through struggle and change.
I use oil painting to express this vision, as its texture and depth allow me to explore the complexities of human experience through light and shadow. In printmaking, I integrate digital drawing and layering techniques to create vibrant, multi-dimensional compositions.
Through my practice, I invite viewers to reflect on their own life journeys and embrace the transformative potential of their experiences. Ultimately, I aim to foster connection and empathy through shared human narratives, celebrating freedom of expression while navigating the complexities of contemporary life.
