NELSON MAKAMO PRESENTS ‘BLUE’
Globally recognised & collected, acclaimed South African artist Nelson Makamo this past weekend opened his first independent solo US exhibition, presenting a latest body of work BLUE.
In plans since 2017, the exhibition has been put together independently, and brought together an all female group of dynamic and progressive Black professionals who helped curate this landmark show. Due to the diversity in the contemporary art landscape in inner city Los Angeles, Nelson and his team ultimately selected this location earlier this year to showcase his first US solo exhibition.
Currently one of the world’s most sought-after visual artists of our generation, this well celebrated 39 year old South African artist has managed to solidify his iconic artistic signature, steadily placed him on a global stage.
Nelson Makamo’s artwork has resonated with a global audience over the past decade, with his work featured in various prestigious public and private exhibitions and collections in countries across the African continent, Europe and recently New York City.
‘Finally my own independent international show here in L.A., it actually feels great. When the team and I initially started the conversation about this show in back in 2017, we didn’t realise the hard work and commitment that would do into it. And what a journey it’s been! Having just successfully opened this past weekend, made it all worth it for us’ stated Nelson Makomo and added ‘With the latest piece of work BLUE, we don’t only want to share our story, but invite people to the exhibition to be a part of the conversation. As much as I live on the African continent, I don’t want my work to only have a frame of where I live in South Africa. I want my work to resonate with people from all walks of life, from different races and backgrounds, the global community at large. It’s about connecting artists on a global platform through this exhibition.And lastly like all my previous work, the underlined theme of this exhibition is about HOPE. When you think about the future, you think ‘HOPE. Looking forward to how the world received BLUE!’
DATES:
8th October – 20th November 2021 (open to public)
Mondays, Tuesdays: Appointment only)
Wednesdays, Thursdays: 11am-6pm PT
Fridays, Saturdays: 11am-7pm PT
Sundays: 11am-5pm PT
To visit the show, guests can sign-up via www.nelsonmakamo.com.
LOCATION:
▪ Arts District, DTLA; 1242 Palmetto Street; Los Angeles, CA
OPENING NIGHT IMAGES:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/zb1sxod9ohvju7v/AADlqPO0HlzMH6bkg9wCDOnja?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/5ikq3mor886e5vc/AAD64Vamo8C3oLoW4HWViwGWa?dl=0
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FOR EDITOR NOTES
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
Nelson Makamo is a South African Contemporary Artist, based in Johannesburg. Born on 5th July 1982, in Modimolle – a small town in the Limpopo Province. Makamo has an astounding artistic aptitude and studied Print Making at Artist Proof Studios in Johannesburg. With no formal Fine Art training, he went on to build his artistic career with a unique ability to explore and ply different mediums in his iconic artwork.
Makamo has exhibited in both group and solo exhibitions worldwide. His first solo exhibition was in 2005, in Johannesburg.
Makamo’s work is strongly influenced by the candid innocence of youth. He is particularly drawn to people of rural South Africa, as he believes they embody the peace and harmony we all strive for in life, where the search for joy lies within our childhood virtues. As he continues to evolve, so too does his medium of expression; namely charcoal, acrylic, oil-paint, water colours, monotypes and lithography. He naturally refrains from planning his pieces, opting instead for the canvas and the days inspiration to lead him. Makamo currently works as a full-time artist from his studio in the heart of Johannesburg, in a space he deems to be the most sacred place in the world.
Makamo’s work speaks to his re-imagining of what it means to be African. He is famously known for his beautiful multimedia portraiture with aspects and / or details that spark conversations with the viewer, including glasses, headphones, & fashion. Moreover, striking, and outstanding about Makamo’s pieces are his ability to depict the emotional energy about his subjects, which resonates deeply and evokes sentiments of nostalgia.
Makamo’s work was recently commissioned for the cover of TIME Magazine’s February 2019 “Optimism” issue, which was guest edited by Ava DuVernay -Hollywood Director.
