Zwelethu Mthethwa, (b. South Africa, 1960) Signed and dated `Zwelethu `98` (lower right) Pastel on

Zwelethu Mthethwa, (b. South Africa, 1960) Signed and dated `Zwelethu `98` (lower right) Pastel on paper 67 x 98cm (26.4 x 38.6in)

Framed and Glazed

Zwelethu Mthethwa (Born 1960 in Durban, South Africa) holds a diploma in fine arts from the Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, and received a MFA in imaging arts in 1989 from the Rochester Institute of Technology, NY, on a Fulbright scholarship. A few years after returning to South Africa, Mthethwa became a lecturer on photography and drawing at his alma mater. Since 1999, Mthethwa has devoted himself full-time to his art practice.

Mthethwa is principally known for his bold, large-format, colour photographs of marginalized communities in South Africa. But as well as being one of the world`s leading photographers Mthethwa is also a painter. Going to School is one of a rare series of pastel works from the 1990`s.

"His style of portraiture (regardless of the medium), situates his subjects intimately in the context of their work or homes, environments that often appear impoverished or neglected. But rather than portraying an exotic or lesser "other,” as has so often been the case with portraits of Africans, the artist collaborates with his subjects and creates images that emphasize their humanity and agency.”

Source: The Progress of Love, Exhibition catalogue.

Biography:

A nationally and internationally recognized artist, Mthethwa has had extensive solo exhibitions in the United States, Europe, and South Africa, including Zwelethu Mthethwa, The Baltimore Museum of Art, MD (2012); Zwelethu Mthethwa: Sugar Cane (2003–2007), John Hope Franklin Center, Duke University, Durham, NC (2012); Zwelethu Mthethwa: Inner Views, The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York (2010); Zwelethu Mthethwa: Gold Miners, Jack Shainman Gallery, New York (2006); and Paris Pour Escale, Musée d`Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris (1999). His work was represented in Impressions from South Africa, 1965 to Now, The Museum of Modern Art, New York (2011); Snap Judgments: New Positions in Contemporary African Photography, International Center of Photography, New York (2006); Africa Remix: Contemporary Art of a Continent, Museum Kunstpalast, Düsseldorf (2004, traveled); and The Short Century: Independence and Liberation Movements in Africa 1945–1994, Museum Villa Stuck, Munich (2001, traveled). Mthethwa also participated in the 51st Venice Biennale (2005) and 8th Biennale de La Habana (2004). He lives and works in Cape Town. Acquired from Sue Lipschitz Art Dealer, Cape Town A private collection, U.K. Click here to view Catalogue