Tumelo Mphela - She got the power

Biography

Tumelo Mphela was born 29 June 1995 in the rural village of Mokopane, Mohlotlo, Limpopo, where he grew up. His Teachers at Madibane High School recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in art. Tumelo Mphela is currently living in Johannesburg and he studied Fine and Applied Arts at Tshwane university of Technology When Tumelo initially fell in love with Charcoal pencil drawing (with the manner in which Charcoal pencil can be used to create subtle texture and tone), he has since broadened his range. He now works in any artistic medium, including sculpture. His artworks often address social issues, and he aims to create artworks that produce an emotional response in the viewer.

Artist statement

I am passionate about drawing and sculpting; I use these mediums to create a sensory experience for the viewer, and to direct their attention to socio-political issues such as poverty, dominant and oppression. I aim to express emotions and my subject matter is selected carefully to suggestively evoke an underlying narrative. Today we are obliged to be sensitive to our fragile environment and the fact that our resources in Africa are not infinite. Our use of land has become an important environmental and socio-political issue. This body of work focuses on the effect of mining especially in my community where I am coming from in Limpopo. Matches and lighters are used as metaphors to signify the power, energy, and action inherent in both the victims and the capitalist who are involved in the mining system. It is particularly the children who are ultimately affected by poverty and oppression.