Alfred Thoba
Alfred Thoba (b. 1951 - Johannesburg, RSA) is a largely self-taught artist who is famous for his politically charged artworks - as he was a very active member of the resistance art movement. Thoba’s paintbrush not only condemned white-on-black violence, but also brought to light the effects of apartheid amongst black population themselves. He currently lives and works in Johannesburg.
In post-apartheid South Africa, Thoba remained moved by the plight of the people in the black townships: not so much the violence, as the effects of urbanisation and westernisation on traditional values. Frequent subjects include children who have turned to stealing, prostitution and violence to survive on the streets. Human relationships and personal suffering also serve as inspiration, as do contemporary events, which Thoba draws from newspaper articles. The finished works are often accompanied by a letter written by the artist himself.
Thoba’s seminal work 1976 Riots set a world record for the artist when it was sold by Strauss & Co for R913 480 in June 2012. This was followed up in May 2013 with Fruits of Life which sold for R818 496. A major retrospective of his work, Alfred Thoba: A Step Becomes a Statement, was held at the Wits Art Museum in 2018.
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