"African Pride" Drawing

Biography Clement Mohale (b.1994) is a South African contemporary artist born at Bela-Bela in Limpopo and has been passionate about art from childhood. He had the honor to be mentored by the late Ernest Ditshego at The African Art Center, where he learned and developed the basic skills and techniques of the arts discipline. In 2007 he won the Managers Choice Award for the Cashbuild Art At HeArt Community Competition. He participated in numerous exhibitions and special projects; 2020 'The creative adult is the one who survived' solo exhibition with NWU Gallery at North West University, 2021 'Shattered ceilings' group exhibition presented by The Pencil Club. Mohale was a finalist for the 2020 The Lockdown Collection Portfolio with Artist Proof Studio in conjunction with University of Johannesburg. 2020 finalist for The Green Recovery Portfolio project for climate change with Artist Proof Studio in partnership with Canada Climate Law Initiative. During 2021 He obtained a certificate of Contemporary Art Practice with CAP Institute under the mentorship of Prof Elfriede Dreyer and also received certificate of completion for Printmaking at Artist Proof Studio in Houghton, JHB 2021. Clement's work has garnered recognition and appreciation on an international scale, with collections spanning the U.S., Switzerland, Germany, France, England, UK and beyond . Artist Statement Clement Mohale is a contemporary mixed-media artist. His work is bold, vibrant and deeply emotive, and is inspired by the daily lived experiences that shape the human condition, Clement seeks to encapsulate the entirety of this multifaceted existence. In his work children frequently take center stage as powerful symbols of hope. His work explores childhood memories, identity and inner struggle. He paints calm and devotional pictures full of gentle pity. Clement developed a vivid genre style, exploiting colour, in particular, strong light, in flat and impasto oil and acrylic paints. He renders his work with subtle frenzied drama of brushstrokes which creates a rythmical movement. His subject-matter is predominately painted in monochrome, in series of blues and each subject is caught in fleeting gesture or expression, placing his subjects against brilliant and pure colours juxtaposed by contours. His focus delves into socio-political and economic issues, addressing critical matters such as poverty, homelessness, and limited access to education.